ZSC vs. KNRG

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

ZSC (USCF Sustainable Commodity Strategy Fund) and KNRG (Simplify Kayne Anderson Energy and Infrastructure Credit ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ZSC is a Commodities fund actively managed by USCF, while KNRG is a Nontraditional Bonds fund actively managed by Simplify. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, ZSC returned 30.45% vs 8.83% for KNRG. At a correlation of -0.03, they often move in opposite directions. ZSC charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.76%/yr for KNRG.

Performance

ZSC vs. KNRG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in USCF Sustainable Commodity Strategy Fund (ZSC) and Simplify Kayne Anderson Energy and Infrastructure Credit ETF (KNRG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ZSC achieves a 6.28% return, which is significantly higher than KNRG's 2.74% return.

ZSC

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: -3.01%
• YTD: 6.28%
• 6M: 10.05%
• 1Y: 30.45%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

KNRG

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 0.89%
• YTD: 2.74%
• 6M: 3.10%
• 1Y: 8.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ZSC vs. KNRG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ZSC USCF Sustainable Commodity Strategy Fund	6.28%	23.46%
KNRG Simplify Kayne Anderson Energy and Infrastructure Credit ETF	2.74%	7.38%

Correlation

The correlation between ZSC and KNRG is -0.02, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 28, 2025	-0.03

Return for Risk

ZSC vs. KNRG — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZSC

ZSC Risk / Return Rank: 69
ZSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
ZSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
ZSC Omega Ratio Rank: 73
ZSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
ZSC Martin Ratio Rank: 60

KNRG

KNRG Risk / Return Rank: 85
KNRG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
KNRG Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
KNRG Omega Ratio Rank: 92
KNRG Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
KNRG Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

ZSC vs. KNRG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for USCF Sustainable Commodity Strategy Fund (ZSC) and Simplify Kayne Anderson Energy and Infrastructure Credit ETF (KNRG). 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.

	ZSC	KNRG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.17	2.92	-0.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.86	4.51	-1.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.59	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.65	3.34	+0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.40	15.90	-5.50

ZSC vs. KNRG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ZSC Sharpe Ratio is 2.17, which is comparable to the KNRG Sharpe Ratio of 2.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ZSC and KNRG, 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

ZSC vs. KNRG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ZSC drawdown since its inception was -26.49%, which is greater than KNRG's maximum drawdown of -2.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ZSC and KNRG.

Drawdown Indicators

	ZSC	KNRG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.49%	-2.71%	-23.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.69%	-2.71%	-4.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.55%	-0.02%	-5.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.57%	-0.32%	-14.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.72%	0.57%	+2.15%

Volatility

ZSC vs. KNRG - Volatility Comparison

USCF Sustainable Commodity Strategy Fund (ZSC) has a higher volatility of 3.19% compared to Simplify Kayne Anderson Energy and Infrastructure Credit ETF (KNRG) at 0.73%. This indicates that ZSC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than KNRG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ZSC	KNRG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.19%	0.73%	+2.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.40%	2.18%	+7.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.91%	3.10%	+9.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.24%	3.48%	+8.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.24%	3.48%	+8.76%

ZSC vs. KNRG - Expense Ratio Comparison

ZSC has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than KNRG's 0.76% expense ratio.

Dividends

ZSC vs. KNRG - Dividend Comparison

ZSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.64%, less than KNRG's 6.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
KNRG Simplify Kayne Anderson Energy and Infrastructure Credit ETF	6.92%	4.22%	0.00%	0.00%
ZSC USCF Sustainable Commodity Strategy Fund	1.64%	1.75%	2.18%	1.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ZSC and KNRG in my portfolio?

ZSC and KNRG have a correlation of -0.02, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ZSC or KNRG?

ZSC has higher volatility (3.19%) compared to KNRG (0.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ZSC dropped -26.49% vs KNRG's -2.71%.

Which ETF is better, ZSC or KNRG?

On 1-year performance, ZSC leads with 30.45% vs 8.83% for KNRG. On fees, ZSC is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, KNRG has been the lower-risk option at 0.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ZSC or KNRG?

Over the 1-year period, ZSC has performed better with a 30.45% return vs 8.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ZSC or KNRG?

ZSC is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.76% for KNRG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ZSC or KNRG?

KNRG has the higher dividend yield at 6.92%, compared with 1.64% for ZSC.

What is the main difference between ZSC and KNRG?

ZSC is categorized as Commodities, while KNRG is Nontraditional Bonds. They also come from different issuers: USCF and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for ZSC and 0.76% for KNRG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KNRG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.92 vs 2.17), 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.