ZECP vs. USMV

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

ZECP (Zacks Earnings Consistent Portfolio ETF) and USMV (iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. ZECP is actively managed, while USMV is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, ZECP returned 15.30%/yr vs 11.43%/yr for USMV. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ZECP charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for USMV.

Performance

ZECP vs. USMV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Zacks Earnings Consistent Portfolio ETF (ZECP) and iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ZECP achieves a 8.66% return, which is significantly higher than USMV's 4.64% return.

ZECP

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 1.37%
• 6M: 6.43%
• YTD: 8.66%
• 1Y: 18.66%
• 3Y*: 15.30%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

USMV

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 2.16%
• 6M: 3.87%
• YTD: 4.64%
• 1Y: 7.10%
• 3Y*: 11.43%
• 5Y*: 7.16%
• 10Y*: 9.58%

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

ZECP vs. USMV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ZECP Zacks Earnings Consistent Portfolio ETF	8.66%	15.03%	17.32%	13.88%	-13.41%	7.62%
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	4.64%	7.65%	15.74%	10.33%	-9.43%	4.78%

Correlation

The correlation between ZECP and USMV is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 24, 2021	0.87

The correlation between ZECP and USMV shifts across timeframes, from 0.71 (1 year) to 0.87 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ZECP vs. USMV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ZECP	USMV
Technology	28.8%	33.9%
Financial Services	15.3%	11.7%
Industrials	13.6%	6.1%
Healthcare	13.4%	12.6%
Communication Services	10.3%	6.2%
Consumer Defensive	7.6%	9.4%
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	5.7%
Utilities	3.6%	6.9%
Energy	0.9%	2.7%
Real Estate	0.7%	2.5%
Basic Materials	-	2.4%

Return for Risk

ZECP vs. USMV — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZECP

ZECP Risk / Return Rank: 67
ZECP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
ZECP Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
ZECP Omega Ratio Rank: 65
ZECP Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
ZECP Martin Ratio Rank: 71

USMV

USMV Risk / Return Rank: 28
USMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
USMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
USMV Omega Ratio Rank: 25
USMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
USMV Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

ZECP vs. USMV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Zacks Earnings Consistent Portfolio ETF (ZECP) and iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV). 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	USMV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	0.84	+0.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	1.23	+1.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.15	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.25	1.10	+1.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.24	3.61	+6.63

ZECP vs. USMV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ZECP Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is higher than the USMV Sharpe Ratio of 0.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ZECP and USMV, 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. USMV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ZECP drawdown since its inception was -21.86%, smaller than the maximum USMV drawdown of -33.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ZECP and USMV.

Drawdown Indicators

	ZECP	USMV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.86%	-33.10%	+11.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.32%	-6.46%	-1.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.47%	-9.36%	-6.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-17.93%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.52%	-0.54%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.40%	-2.87%	-2.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.83%	1.97%	-0.14%

Volatility

ZECP vs. USMV - Volatility Comparison

Zacks Earnings Consistent Portfolio ETF (ZECP) and iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) have volatilities of 2.64% and 2.54%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ZECP	USMV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.64%	2.54%	+0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.43%	6.22%	+2.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.71%	8.48%	+2.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.57%	12.36%	+2.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.57%	14.49%	+0.08%

ZECP vs. USMV - Expense Ratio Comparison

ZECP has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than USMV's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

ZECP vs. USMV - Dividend Comparison

ZECP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.73%, less than USMV's 1.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	1.48%	1.49%	1.67%	1.82%	1.62%	1.26%	1.81%	1.88%	2.12%	1.77%	2.22%	2.02%
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 USMV in my portfolio?

ZECP and USMV have a correlation of 0.71, 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 USMV?

ZECP has higher volatility (2.64%) compared to USMV (2.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ZECP dropped -21.86% vs USMV's -33.10%.

Which ETF is better, ZECP or USMV?

On 3-year performance, ZECP leads with 15.30% vs 11.43% for USMV. On fees, USMV is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, USMV has been the lower-risk option at 2.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ZECP or USMV?

Over the 3-year period, ZECP has performed better with a 15.30% return vs 11.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ZECP or USMV?

USMV is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for ZECP.

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

USMV has the higher dividend yield at 1.48%, compared with 0.73% for ZECP.

What is the main difference between ZECP and USMV?

They also come from different issuers: Zacks and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for ZECP and 0.15% for USMV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZECP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 vs 0.84), 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.