Is ZYUS a good ETF?
ZYUS is the Global X S&P 500 High Yield Low Volatility ETF from Global X. We classify it under Intl, Thematic, Dividend, and US. With about $73 million in assets it is a relatively small fund (worth checking spreads and liquidity before buying).
On a total-return basis, ZYUS has delivered 7.15% a year over 10 years (ranked 68th of 108 ETFs we track), 8.15% a year over 5 years (ranked 78th of 188 ETFs we track), 9.29% a year over 3 years (ranked 127th of 226 ETFs we track), and 4.78% a year over 1 year (ranked 189th of 308 ETFs we track).
The management fee of 0.35% is reasonable. That's cheaper than the typical 0.48% for similar ETFs. If cost is your priority, VIHY (0.3%) cover similar ground for less. It pays a healthy 3.98% yield, attractive if you want regular income. Bear in mind distributions are taxed each year at your marginal rate, so a high yield is less tax-efficient for higher earners and during the accumulation phase.
Over the past 10 years its volatility has been moderate (annualised standard deviation around 12.7%), meaning the kind of swings you'd expect from a diversified equity fund. Its 10-year Sharpe ratio of 0.44 is weak — that's the return it has earned per unit of risk taken (higher is better).
Strengths
- Low-cost: a 0.35% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
- Pays a useful 3.98% income yield.
Things to watch
- Cheaper alternatives exist: VIHY.
- Weak risk-adjusted returns (10-year Sharpe ratio 0.44).
- Highly concentrated single-theme bet — keep the position size small.
What ZYUS's categories mean for you
How each category this ETF belongs to tends to behave across market cycles.
Global and international shares from outside Australia — broadening you into thousands of companies and the sectors (tech, healthcare) the local market lacks.
- Market regime
- Essential diversification away from the bank-and-resources-heavy ASX. Unhedged versions carry currency risk; hedged versions remove it at a small cost.
- In a portfolio
- A core holding for almost every long-term Australian portfolio.
A concentrated bet on a single trend — AI, battery tech, cybersecurity, robotics and the like. High conviction, high concentration, and often high fees.
- Market regime
- Frequently launched after a theme is already hot, which has historically been a poor entry point. Expect very large swings in both directions.
- In a portfolio
- A small satellite position at most. Treat it as a speculative tilt, never as a core holding.
Targets higher-yielding, cash-generative companies. Popular with retirees and income investors, and in Australia often comes with valuable franking credits.
- Market regime
- Tilts toward 'value' sectors such as banks, resources and utilities. Can lag in growth-led bull markets and concentrate risk, but tends to be more defensive when markets fall.
- In a portfolio
- Good for investors who want income now. Note the higher distributions are taxable each year, which is less efficient for those in higher brackets and in the accumulation phase.
US-listed companies — the world's deepest, most innovation-heavy market and home to the mega-cap tech names. Has led global returns for over a decade.
- Market regime
- Strong leadership has left valuations high and the index heavily concentrated in a handful of tech giants. Unhedged funds also rise and fall with the AUD/USD exchange rate.
- In a portfolio
- A legitimate core holding for global exposure, but be aware you are buying after a long run of outperformance and at elevated valuations.
General information only, generated from the fund's published data — not personal financial advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Consider your own circumstances or seek licensed advice before investing.