ZCBA vs. VGLT

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

ZCBA (Global X Zero Coupon Bond 2030 ETF) and VGLT (Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF) are both Government Bonds funds - ZCBA tracks the FTSE Zero Coupon U.S. Treasury STRIPS 2030 Maturity Index while VGLT tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ZCBA charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VGLT.

Performance

ZCBA vs. VGLT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Zero Coupon Bond 2030 ETF (ZCBA) and Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ZCBA

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.15%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VGLT

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 2.68%
• YTD: 1.69%
• 6M: 1.06%
• 1Y: 4.60%
• 3Y*: -0.39%
• 5Y*: -5.17%
• 10Y*: -1.32%

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

ZCBA vs. VGLT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ZCBA Global X Zero Coupon Bond 2030 ETF	0.03%
VGLT Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF	1.08%

Correlation

The correlation between ZCBA and VGLT is 0.80, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 8, 2026	0.80

Return for Risk

ZCBA vs. VGLT — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZCBA

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

VGLT

VGLT Risk / Return Rank: 17
VGLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
VGLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
VGLT Omega Ratio Rank: 15
VGLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
VGLT Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

ZCBA vs. VGLT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Zero Coupon Bond 2030 ETF (ZCBA) and Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT). 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.

	ZCBA	VGLT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.53	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	0.83	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.09	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	0.66	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	1.63	—

Drawdowns

ZCBA vs. VGLT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ZCBA drawdown since its inception was -2.39%, smaller than the maximum VGLT drawdown of -46.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ZCBA and VGLT.

Drawdown Indicators

	ZCBA	VGLT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.39%	-46.18%	+43.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-7.01%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.68%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-40.98%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.18%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.63%	-35.50%	+33.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.09%	-15.13%	+14.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.83%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ZCBA	VGLT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.32%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	6.18%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.28%	8.67%	-5.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.28%	14.54%	-11.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.28%	13.80%	-10.52%

ZCBA vs. VGLT - Expense Ratio Comparison

ZCBA has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is higher than VGLT's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

ZCBA vs. VGLT - Dividend Comparison

ZCBA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.50%, less than VGLT's 4.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGLT Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF	4.51%	4.44%	4.33%	3.33%	2.84%	1.82%	2.15%	2.46%	2.71%	2.55%	2.69%	3.21%
ZCBA Global X Zero Coupon Bond 2030 ETF	1.50%	0.00%	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 ZCBA and VGLT in my portfolio?

ZCBA and VGLT have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ZCBA or VGLT?

On fees, VGLT is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ZCBA or VGLT?

VGLT is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.07% for ZCBA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ZCBA or VGLT?

VGLT has the higher dividend yield at 4.51%, compared with 1.50% for ZCBA.

What is the main difference between ZCBA and VGLT?

ZCBA tracks FTSE Zero Coupon U.S. Treasury STRIPS 2030 Maturity Index, while VGLT tracks Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for ZCBA and 0.03% for VGLT.