VPU vs. ZAP

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) and ZAP (Global X U.S. Electrification ETF) are both Utilities Equities funds - VPU tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index while ZAP tracks the Global X U.S. Electrification Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, VPU returned 16.97% vs 34.79% for ZAP. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VPU charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for ZAP.

Performance

VPU vs. ZAP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and Global X U.S. Electrification ETF (ZAP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VPU achieves a 8.52% return, which is significantly lower than ZAP's 20.91% return.

VPU

• 1D: 0.66%
• 1M: 1.44%
• YTD: 8.52%
• 6M: 8.11%
• 1Y: 16.97%
• 3Y*: 15.09%
• 5Y*: 10.47%
• 10Y*: 9.30%

ZAP

• 1D: 0.69%
• 1M: 1.45%
• YTD: 20.91%
• 6M: 19.87%
• 1Y: 34.79%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VPU vs. ZAP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	8.52%	16.46%	-0.71%
ZAP Global X U.S. Electrification ETF	20.91%	21.84%	1.26%

Correlation

The correlation between VPU and ZAP is 0.84, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 18, 2024	0.85

The correlation between VPU and ZAP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VPU vs. ZAP — Risk / Return Rank

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

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 36
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 34
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 31

ZAP

ZAP Risk / Return Rank: 79
ZAP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
ZAP Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
ZAP Omega Ratio Rank: 74
ZAP Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
ZAP Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

VPU vs. ZAP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and Global X U.S. Electrification ETF (ZAP). 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.

	VPU	ZAP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.19	2.27	-1.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.64	3.03	-1.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.38	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.91	4.83	-2.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.07	11.84	-7.76

VPU vs. ZAP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VPU Sharpe Ratio is 1.19, which is lower than the ZAP Sharpe Ratio of 2.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VPU and ZAP, 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

VPU vs. ZAP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VPU drawdown since its inception was -46.31%, which is greater than ZAP's maximum drawdown of -12.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPU and ZAP.

Drawdown Indicators

	VPU	ZAP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.31%	-12.38%	-33.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	-7.23%	-1.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.34%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.15%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.42%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.46%	0.00%	-2.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.78%	-2.58%	-5.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.18%	2.95%	+1.23%

Volatility

VPU vs. ZAP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) is 5.22%, while Global X U.S. Electrification ETF (ZAP) has a volatility of 6.00%. This indicates that VPU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ZAP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VPU	ZAP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.22%	6.00%	-0.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.47%	12.09%	-0.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.42%	15.46%	-1.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.03%	16.90%	+0.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.14%	16.90%	+2.24%

VPU vs. ZAP - Expense Ratio Comparison

VPU has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than ZAP's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

VPU vs. ZAP - Dividend Comparison

VPU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.23%, more than ZAP's 1.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	3.23%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%
ZAP Global X U.S. Electrification ETF	1.48%	1.81%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VPU and ZAP in my portfolio?

VPU and ZAP have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VPU or ZAP?

ZAP has higher volatility (6.00%) compared to VPU (5.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VPU dropped -46.31% vs ZAP's -12.38%.

Which ETF is better, VPU or ZAP?

On 1-year performance, ZAP leads with 34.79% vs 16.97% for VPU. On fees, VPU is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VPU has been the lower-risk option at 5.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VPU or ZAP?

Over the 1-year period, ZAP has performed better with a 34.79% return vs 16.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VPU or ZAP?

VPU is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for ZAP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VPU or ZAP?

VPU has the higher dividend yield at 3.23%, compared with 1.48% for ZAP.

What is the main difference between VPU and ZAP?

VPU tracks MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index, while ZAP tracks Global X U.S. Electrification Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VPU and 0.50% for ZAP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZAP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.27 vs 1.19), 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.