ZSB vs. AMUB

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

ZSB (USCF Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy Fund) and AMUB (ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Class B) are both exchange-traded funds - ZSB is a Commodities fund tracking the S&P GSCI Electric Vehicle Meals Index, while AMUB is a MLPs fund tracking the Alerian MLP Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, ZSB returned 6.63%/yr vs 15.89%/yr for AMUB. At a 0.05 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ZSB charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for AMUB.

Performance

ZSB vs. AMUB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in USCF Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy Fund (ZSB) and ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Class B (AMUB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ZSB achieves a 14.02% return, which is significantly lower than AMUB's 17.24% return.

ZSB

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 2.34%
• YTD: 14.02%
• 6M: 28.85%
• 1Y: 78.36%
• 3Y*: 6.63%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AMUB

• 1D: 1.02%
• 1M: -1.02%
• YTD: 17.24%
• 6M: 16.74%
• 1Y: 17.83%
• 3Y*: 15.89%
• 5Y*: 12.50%
• 10Y*: 3.08%

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

ZSB vs. AMUB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ZSB USCF Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy Fund	14.02%	64.34%	-19.70%	-31.38%
AMUB ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Class B	17.24%	2.05%	15.68%	12.38%

Correlation

The correlation between ZSB and AMUB is -0.12, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.12
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 12, 2023	0.05

The correlation between ZSB and AMUB shifts across timeframes, from -0.12 (1 year) to 0.05 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

ZSB vs. AMUB — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZSB

ZSB Risk / Return Rank: 81
ZSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
ZSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
ZSB Omega Ratio Rank: 86
ZSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
ZSB Martin Ratio Rank: 71

AMUB

AMUB Risk / Return Rank: 35
AMUB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
AMUB Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
AMUB Omega Ratio Rank: 34
AMUB Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
AMUB Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

ZSB vs. AMUB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for USCF Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy Fund (ZSB) and ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Class B (AMUB). 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.

	ZSB	AMUB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.99	1.32	+1.67
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.38	1.88	+1.50
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.23	+0.32
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.77	1.74	+3.03
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.48	5.17	+8.31
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ZSB vs. AMUB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ZSB Sharpe Ratio is 2.99, which is higher than the AMUB Sharpe Ratio of 1.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ZSB and AMUB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ZSB	AMUB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.99	1.32	+1.67
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.62	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.11	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.05	0.00	+0.05

Drawdowns

ZSB vs. AMUB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ZSB drawdown since its inception was -49.26%, smaller than the maximum AMUB drawdown of -79.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ZSB and AMUB.

Drawdown Indicators

	ZSB	AMUB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.26%	-79.46%	+30.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.75%	-10.37%	-6.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-43.22%	-17.22%	-26.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.58%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-78.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.87%	-5.94%	+2.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-30.98%	-29.23%	-1.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.92%	3.49%	+2.43%

Volatility

ZSB vs. AMUB - Volatility Comparison

USCF Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy Fund (ZSB) and ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Class B (AMUB) have volatilities of 5.39% and 5.50%, 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

	ZSB	AMUB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.39%	5.50%	-0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.64%	9.84%	+12.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.31%	13.61%	+12.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.60%	20.24%	-0.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.60%	27.09%	-7.49%

ZSB vs. AMUB - Expense Ratio Comparison

ZSB has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than AMUB's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

ZSB vs. AMUB - Dividend Comparison

ZSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.81%, while AMUB has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
AMUB ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Class B	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ZSB USCF Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy Fund	0.81%	0.92%	2.96%	3.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ZSB and AMUB in my portfolio?

ZSB and AMUB have a correlation of -0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ZSB or AMUB?

AMUB has higher volatility (5.50%) compared to ZSB (5.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ZSB dropped -49.26% vs AMUB's -79.46%.

Which ETF is better, ZSB or AMUB?

On 3-year performance, AMUB leads with 15.89% vs 6.63% for ZSB. On fees, ZSB is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, ZSB has been the lower-risk option at 5.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ZSB or AMUB?

Over the 3-year period, AMUB has performed better with a 15.89% return vs 6.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ZSB or AMUB?

ZSB is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for AMUB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ZSB or AMUB?

ZSB has the higher dividend yield at 0.81%, compared with 0.00% for AMUB.

What is the main difference between ZSB and AMUB?

ZSB is categorized as Commodities, while AMUB is MLPs. ZSB tracks S&P GSCI Electric Vehicle Meals Index, while AMUB tracks Alerian MLP Index. They also come from different issuers: USCF and UBS. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for ZSB and 0.80% for AMUB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZSB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.99 vs 1.32), 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.