USCA vs. USNZ

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

USCA (Xtrackers MSCI USA Climate Action Equity ETF) and USNZ (Xtrackers Net Zero Pathway Paris Aligned US Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds from Xtrackers - USCA tracks the MSCI USA Climate Action Index - Benchmark TR Gross while USNZ tracks the Solactive ISS ESG United States Net Zero Pathway Enhanced Index - Benchmark TR Net. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, USCA returned 18.60%/yr vs 19.41%/yr for USNZ. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. USCA charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for USNZ.

Performance

USCA vs. USNZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers MSCI USA Climate Action Equity ETF (USCA) and Xtrackers Net Zero Pathway Paris Aligned US Equity ETF (USNZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USCA achieves a 3.32% return, which is significantly lower than USNZ's 7.39% return.

USCA

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: -2.21%
• YTD: 3.32%
• 6M: 2.05%
• 1Y: 13.94%
• 3Y*: 18.60%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

USNZ

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: -1.54%
• YTD: 7.39%
• 6M: 6.20%
• 1Y: 21.96%
• 3Y*: 19.41%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

USCA vs. USNZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
USCA Xtrackers MSCI USA Climate Action Equity ETF	3.32%	14.24%	27.24%	19.92%
USNZ Xtrackers Net Zero Pathway Paris Aligned US Equity ETF	7.39%	17.76%	21.96%	16.83%

Correlation

The correlation between USCA and USNZ is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 4, 2023	0.96

The correlation between USCA and USNZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

USCA vs. USNZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	USCA	USNZ
Technology	41.9%	45.3%
Communication Services	12.2%	12.5%
Consumer Cyclical	10.5%	10.0%
Healthcare	9.0%	10.8%
Financial Services	8.9%	9.8%
Industrials	6.6%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.0%	3.2%
Energy	1.9%	0.0%
Real Estate	1.8%	3.0%
Utilities	1.7%	1.1%
Basic Materials	1.5%	1.2%

Return for Risk

USCA vs. USNZ — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

USCA

USCA Risk / Return Rank: 33
USCA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
USCA Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
USCA Omega Ratio Rank: 33
USCA Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
USCA Martin Ratio Rank: 37

USNZ

USNZ Risk / Return Rank: 52
USNZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
USNZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
USNZ Omega Ratio Rank: 52
USNZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
USNZ Martin Ratio Rank: 56

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

USCA vs. USNZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI USA Climate Action Equity ETF (USCA) and Xtrackers Net Zero Pathway Paris Aligned US Equity ETF (USNZ). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	USCA	USNZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.11	1.62	-0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.58	2.27	-0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.29	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.37	1.99	-0.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.21	8.48	-3.27

USCA vs. USNZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USCA Sharpe Ratio is 1.11, which is lower than the USNZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USCA and USNZ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

USCA vs. USNZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USCA drawdown since its inception was -19.14%, roughly equal to the maximum USNZ drawdown of -19.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USCA and USNZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	USCA	USNZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.14%	-19.16%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.25%	-11.07%	+0.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.14%	-19.16%	+0.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.27%	-3.84%	-0.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.17%	-3.30%	+1.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	2.60%	+0.08%

Volatility

USCA vs. USNZ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Xtrackers MSCI USA Climate Action Equity ETF (USCA) is 4.74%, while Xtrackers Net Zero Pathway Paris Aligned US Equity ETF (USNZ) has a volatility of 5.25%. This indicates that USCA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than USNZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USCA	USNZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.74%	5.25%	-0.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.85%	11.07%	-1.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.62%	13.69%	-1.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.84%	16.69%	-1.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.84%	16.69%	-1.85%

USCA vs. USNZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

USCA has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than USNZ's 0.10% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

USCA vs. USNZ - Dividend Comparison

USCA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.15%, more than USNZ's 0.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
USCA Xtrackers MSCI USA Climate Action Equity ETF	1.15%	1.14%	1.22%	1.15%	0.00%
USNZ Xtrackers Net Zero Pathway Paris Aligned US Equity ETF	0.98%	1.02%	1.14%	1.19%	0.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USCA and USNZ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, USCA and USNZ move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, USCA or USNZ?

USNZ has higher volatility (5.25%) compared to USCA (4.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USCA dropped -19.14% vs USNZ's -19.16%.

Which ETF is better, USCA or USNZ?

On 3-year performance, USNZ leads with 19.41% vs 18.60% for USCA. On fees, USCA is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, USCA has been the lower-risk option at 4.74%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USCA or USNZ?

Over the 3-year period, USNZ has performed better with a 19.41% return vs 18.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USCA or USNZ?

USCA is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.10% for USNZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USCA or USNZ?

USCA has the higher dividend yield at 1.15%, compared with 0.98% for USNZ.

What is the main difference between USCA and USNZ?

USCA tracks MSCI USA Climate Action Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while USNZ tracks Solactive ISS ESG United States Net Zero Pathway Enhanced Index - Benchmark TR Net. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for USCA and 0.10% for USNZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USNZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 vs 1.11), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.