ZCBF vs. VGSH

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

ZCBF (Global X Zero Coupon Bond 2034 ETF) and VGSH (Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF) are both Government Bonds funds - ZCBF tracks the FTSE Zero Coupon U.S. Treasury STRIPS 2034 Maturity Index while VGSH tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 1-3 Year Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ZCBF charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VGSH.

Performance

ZCBF vs. VGSH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Zero Coupon Bond 2034 ETF (ZCBF) and Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ZCBF

• 1D: -0.59%
• 1M: -1.29%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VGSH

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -0.22%
• YTD: 0.36%
• 6M: 0.74%
• 1Y: 3.24%
• 3Y*: 4.11%
• 5Y*: 1.79%
• 10Y*: 1.72%

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

ZCBF vs. VGSH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ZCBF Global X Zero Coupon Bond 2034 ETF	-1.01%
VGSH Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF	0.29%

Correlation

The correlation between ZCBF and VGSH is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 8, 2026	0.87

Return for Risk

ZCBF vs. VGSH — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGSH

VGSH Risk / Return Rank: 82
VGSH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
VGSH Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
VGSH Omega Ratio Rank: 87
VGSH Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
VGSH Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

ZCBF vs. VGSH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Zero Coupon Bond 2034 ETF (ZCBF) and Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ZCBF	VGSH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.91	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.10	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.42	1.01	-1.43

Drawdowns

ZCBF vs. VGSH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ZCBF drawdown since its inception was -4.66%, smaller than the maximum VGSH drawdown of -5.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ZCBF and VGSH.

Drawdown Indicators

	ZCBF	VGSH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.66%	-5.70%	+1.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.88%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-0.97%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-5.66%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-5.70%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.67%	-0.41%	-3.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.85%	-0.60%	-1.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.22%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ZCBF	VGSH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.36%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	0.90%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.78%	1.29%	+4.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.78%	1.97%	+3.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.78%	1.58%	+4.20%

ZCBF vs. VGSH - Expense Ratio Comparison

ZCBF has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is higher than VGSH'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

ZCBF vs. VGSH - Dividend Comparison

ZCBF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.70%, less than VGSH's 3.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGSH Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF	3.88%	4.00%	4.18%	3.31%	1.15%	0.66%	1.74%	2.28%	1.79%	1.10%	0.84%	0.69%
ZCBF Global X Zero Coupon Bond 2034 ETF	1.70%	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 ZCBF and VGSH in my portfolio?

ZCBF and VGSH have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ZCBF or VGSH?

On fees, VGSH 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, ZCBF or VGSH?

VGSH is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.07% for ZCBF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ZCBF or VGSH?

VGSH has the higher dividend yield at 3.88%, compared with 1.70% for ZCBF.

What is the main difference between ZCBF and VGSH?

ZCBF tracks FTSE Zero Coupon U.S. Treasury STRIPS 2034 Maturity Index, while VGSH tracks Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 1-3 Year Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for ZCBF and 0.03% for VGSH.