ZECP vs. EQL

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

ZECP (Zacks Earnings Consistent Portfolio ETF) and EQL (ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. ZECP is actively managed, while EQL is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, ZECP returned 14.80%/yr vs 14.59%/yr for EQL. Their correlation of 0.91 means they have usually moved in the same direction. ZECP charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for EQL.

Performance

ZECP vs. EQL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Zacks Earnings Consistent Portfolio ETF (ZECP) and ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ZECP achieves a 8.60% return, which is significantly lower than EQL's 10.71% return.

ZECP

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: -0.58%
• 6M: 6.82%
• YTD: 8.60%
• 1Y: 18.64%
• 3Y*: 14.80%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 9.36%

EQL

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: 0.31%
• 6M: 6.82%
• YTD: 10.71%
• 1Y: 18.34%
• 3Y*: 14.59%
• 5Y*: 10.63%
• 10Y*: 12.39%
• ALL TIME*: 13.49%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
EQL ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF	$3.33M	$2.84M	$2.70M
ZECP Zacks Earnings Consistent Portfolio ETF	$1.64M	$1.62M	$1.64M

ZECP vs. EQL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ZECP Zacks Earnings Consistent Portfolio ETF	8.60%	15.03%	17.32%	13.88%	-13.41%	7.62%
EQL ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF	10.71%	13.09%	16.44%	16.87%	-10.72%	7.36%

Correlation

The correlation between ZECP and EQL is 0.84, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 24, 2021	0.91

The correlation between ZECP and EQL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

ZECP vs. EQL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ZECP	EQL
Technology	26.6%	10.2%
Financial Services	15.9%	9.1%
Healthcare	14.6%	9.4%
Industrials	14.4%	9.3%
Communication Services	9.4%	8.9%
Consumer Defensive	8.0%	8.8%
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	9.6%
Utilities	3.9%	9.4%
Energy	0.8%	8.7%
Real Estate	0.7%	8.7%
Basic Materials	-	8.0%

Return for Risk

ZECP vs. EQL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

ZECP

ZECP Risk / Return Rank: 71
ZECP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
ZECP Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
ZECP Omega Ratio Rank: 69
ZECP Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
ZECP Martin Ratio Rank: 76

EQL

EQL Risk / Return Rank: 79
EQL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
EQL Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
EQL Omega Ratio Rank: 78
EQL Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
EQL Martin Ratio Rank: 82

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

ZECP vs. EQL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Zacks Earnings Consistent Portfolio ETF (ZECP) and ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL). 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.

	ZECP	EQL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	1.82	-0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	2.54	-0.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.33	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.13	2.78	-0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.58	10.89	-1.32

ZECP vs. EQL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ZECP Sharpe Ratio is 1.64, which is comparable to the EQL Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ZECP and EQL, 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

ZECP vs. EQL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ZECP drawdown since its inception was -21.86%, smaller than the maximum EQL drawdown of -35.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ZECP and EQL.

Drawdown Indicators

	ZECP	EQL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.86%	-35.65%	+13.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.32%	-6.19%	-2.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.47%	-15.07%	-0.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.24%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.65%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.58%	-0.27%	-0.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.35%	-3.23%	-2.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.85%	1.58%	+0.27%

Volatility

ZECP vs. EQL - Volatility Comparison

Zacks Earnings Consistent Portfolio ETF (ZECP) has a higher volatility of 2.82% compared to ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL) at 2.23%. This indicates that ZECP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EQL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ZECP	EQL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.82%	2.23%	+0.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.49%	7.03%	+1.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.85%	9.50%	+1.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.53%	14.51%	+0.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.53%	16.49%	-1.96%

ZECP vs. EQL - Expense Ratio Comparison

ZECP has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than EQL's 0.27% expense ratio.

Dividends

ZECP vs. EQL - Dividend Comparison

ZECP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.73%, less than EQL's 1.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EQL ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF	1.35%	1.73%	1.78%	1.96%	2.14%	1.69%	2.29%	1.95%	2.39%	1.97%	2.89%	2.07%
ZECP Zacks Earnings Consistent Portfolio ETF	0.73%	0.79%	0.63%	0.73%	0.91%	0.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ZECP and EQL in my portfolio?

ZECP and EQL 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, ZECP or EQL?

ZECP has higher volatility (2.82%) compared to EQL (2.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ZECP dropped -21.86% vs EQL's -35.65%.

Which ETF is better, ZECP or EQL?

On 3-year performance, ZECP leads with 14.80% vs 14.59% for EQL. On fees, EQL is cheaper at 0.27% per year. On volatility, EQL has been the lower-risk option at 2.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ZECP or EQL?

Over the 3-year period, ZECP has performed better with a 14.80% return vs 14.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ZECP or EQL?

EQL is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for ZECP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ZECP or EQL?

EQL has the higher dividend yield at 1.35%, compared with 0.73% for ZECP.

What is the main difference between ZECP and EQL?

They also come from different issuers: Zacks and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for ZECP and 0.27% for EQL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EQL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.64), 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.