CARZ vs. AWAY

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

CARZ (First Trust NASDAQ Global Auto Index Fund) and AWAY (ETFMG Travel Tech ETF) are both Consumer Discretionary Equities funds - CARZ tracks the NASDAQ OMX Global Automobile (TR) while AWAY tracks the Prime Travel Technology Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, CARZ returned 14.20%/yr vs -8.27%/yr for AWAY. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CARZ charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for AWAY.

Performance

CARZ vs. AWAY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust NASDAQ Global Auto Index Fund (CARZ) and ETFMG Travel Tech ETF (AWAY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CARZ achieves a 37.83% return, which is significantly higher than AWAY's -12.04% return.

CARZ

• 1D: -3.25%
• 1M: -7.39%
• 6M: 28.29%
• YTD: 37.83%
• 1Y: 72.79%
• 3Y*: 24.42%
• 5Y*: 14.20%
• 10Y*: 14.96%

AWAY

• 1D: -1.77%
• 1M: 5.07%
• 6M: -13.83%
• YTD: -12.04%
• 1Y: -17.80%
• 3Y*: 0.67%
• 5Y*: -8.27%
• 10Y*: —

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

CARZ vs. AWAY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
CARZ First Trust NASDAQ Global Auto Index Fund	37.83%	37.18%	3.26%	42.47%	-31.25%	18.09%	48.25%
AWAY ETFMG Travel Tech ETF	-12.04%	-3.36%	10.44%	17.94%	-32.25%	-5.91%	3.47%

Correlation

The correlation between CARZ and AWAY is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 13, 2020	0.65

Over the past year, the correlation between CARZ and AWAY has dropped to 0.45 - well below their long-term average of 0.65, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

CARZ vs. AWAY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CARZ	AWAY
Technology	34.3%	31.2%
Consumer Cyclical	21.9%	60.1%
Industrials	8.6%	2.5%
Basic Materials	6.7%	-
Communication Services	1.9%	4.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.2%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

CARZ vs. AWAY — Risk / Return Rank

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

CARZ

CARZ Risk / Return Rank: 88
CARZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
CARZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
CARZ Omega Ratio Rank: 84
CARZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
CARZ Martin Ratio Rank: 91

AWAY

AWAY Risk / Return Rank: 4
AWAY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
AWAY Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
AWAY Omega Ratio Rank: 3
AWAY Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
AWAY Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

CARZ vs. AWAY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust NASDAQ Global Auto Index Fund (CARZ) and ETFMG Travel Tech ETF (AWAY). 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.

	CARZ	AWAY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.40	-0.79	+3.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.87	-1.01	+3.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	0.88	+0.52
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.07	-0.54	+5.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.53	-1.00	+17.53

CARZ vs. AWAY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CARZ Sharpe Ratio is 2.40, which is higher than the AWAY Sharpe Ratio of -0.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CARZ and AWAY, 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

CARZ vs. AWAY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CARZ drawdown since its inception was -51.20%, smaller than the maximum AWAY drawdown of -56.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CARZ and AWAY.

Drawdown Indicators

	CARZ	AWAY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.20%	-56.57%	+5.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.44%	-32.83%	+18.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.84%	-32.83%	+4.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.30%	-49.10%	+8.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.20%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.82%	-46.94%	+34.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.86%	-36.41%	+23.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.42%	17.84%	-13.42%

Volatility

CARZ vs. AWAY - Volatility Comparison

First Trust NASDAQ Global Auto Index Fund (CARZ) has a higher volatility of 15.06% compared to ETFMG Travel Tech ETF (AWAY) at 7.18%. This indicates that CARZ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AWAY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CARZ	AWAY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.06%	7.18%	+7.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.56%	19.14%	+7.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.58%	22.64%	+7.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.09%	26.89%	+2.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.63%	31.70%	-5.07%

CARZ vs. AWAY - Expense Ratio Comparison

CARZ has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than AWAY's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

CARZ vs. AWAY - Dividend Comparison

CARZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.27%, while AWAY has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AWAY ETFMG Travel Tech ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.28%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
CARZ First Trust NASDAQ Global Auto Index Fund	1.27%	2.13%	1.17%	1.40%	1.59%	2.25%	0.63%	3.23%	2.85%	2.11%	2.47%	1.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CARZ and AWAY in my portfolio?

CARZ and AWAY have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CARZ or AWAY?

CARZ has higher volatility (15.06%) compared to AWAY (7.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CARZ dropped -51.20% vs AWAY's -56.57%.

Which ETF is better, CARZ or AWAY?

On 5-year performance, CARZ leads with 14.20% vs -8.27% for AWAY. On fees, CARZ is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, AWAY has been the lower-risk option at 7.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CARZ or AWAY?

Over the 5-year period, CARZ has performed better with a 14.20% return vs -8.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CARZ or AWAY?

CARZ is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for AWAY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CARZ or AWAY?

CARZ has the higher dividend yield at 1.27%, compared with 0.00% for AWAY.

What is the main difference between CARZ and AWAY?

CARZ tracks NASDAQ OMX Global Automobile (TR), while AWAY tracks Prime Travel Technology Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and ETFMG. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for CARZ and 0.75% for AWAY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CARZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs -0.79), 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.