KARS vs. CARZ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

KARS (KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF) and CARZ (First Trust NASDAQ Global Auto Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - KARS is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the Bloomberg Electric Vehicles Index, while CARZ is a Consumer Discretionary Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ OMX Global Automobile (TR). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, KARS returned -2.35%/yr vs 16.32%/yr for CARZ. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KARS charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for CARZ.

Performance

KARS vs. CARZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF (KARS) and First Trust NASDAQ Global Auto Index Fund (CARZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KARS achieves a 16.24% return, which is significantly lower than CARZ's 57.52% return.

KARS

• 1D: -3.32%
• 1M: -3.27%
• YTD: 16.24%
• 6M: 17.45%
• 1Y: 69.84%
• 3Y*: 6.58%
• 5Y*: -2.35%
• 10Y*: —

CARZ

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 19.08%
• YTD: 57.52%
• 6M: 60.74%
• 1Y: 116.25%
• 3Y*: 34.19%
• 5Y*: 16.32%
• 10Y*: 16.49%

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

KARS vs. CARZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
KARS KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF	16.24%	46.04%	-17.88%	-7.85%	-39.20%	24.11%	71.17%	34.66%	-28.33%
CARZ First Trust NASDAQ Global Auto Index Fund	57.52%	37.18%	3.26%	42.47%	-31.25%	18.09%	54.66%	11.39%	-27.81%

Correlation

The correlation between KARS and CARZ is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 22, 2018	0.74

The correlation between KARS and CARZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

KARS vs. CARZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KARS	CARZ
Consumer Cyclical	34.3%	19.5%
Basic Materials	26.6%	6.6%
Industrials	21.9%	8.1%
Technology	17.2%	60.6%
Communication Services	-	5.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

KARS vs. CARZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

KARS

KARS Risk / Return Rank: 82
KARS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
KARS Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
KARS Omega Ratio Rank: 72
KARS Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
KARS Martin Ratio Rank: 88

CARZ

CARZ Risk / Return Rank: 95
CARZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
CARZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
CARZ Omega Ratio Rank: 94
CARZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
CARZ Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

KARS vs. CARZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF (KARS) and First Trust NASDAQ Global Auto Index Fund (CARZ). 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.

	KARS	CARZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.71	4.53	-1.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.33	5.19	-1.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.70	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.97	8.10	-1.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.68	32.71	-13.03
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

KARS vs. CARZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KARS Sharpe Ratio is 2.71, which is lower than the CARZ Sharpe Ratio of 4.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KARS and CARZ, 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

	KARS	CARZ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.71	4.53	-1.83
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.08	0.58	-0.66
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.63	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.20	0.46	-0.26

Drawdowns

KARS vs. CARZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KARS drawdown since its inception was -64.85%, which is greater than CARZ's maximum drawdown of -51.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KARS and CARZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	KARS	CARZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.85%	-51.20%	-13.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.08%	-14.44%	+4.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-47.79%	-27.84%	-19.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-64.85%	-40.30%	-24.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-51.20%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-29.15%	-0.37%	-28.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.32%	-12.90%	-15.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.56%	3.57%	-0.01%

Volatility

KARS vs. CARZ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF (KARS) is 9.00%, while First Trust NASDAQ Global Auto Index Fund (CARZ) has a volatility of 10.14%. This indicates that KARS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CARZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KARS	CARZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.00%	10.14%	-1.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.66%	20.31%	-1.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.97%	25.79%	+0.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.78%	28.11%	+1.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.29%	26.27%	+3.02%

KARS vs. CARZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

KARS has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than CARZ's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

KARS vs. CARZ - Dividend Comparison

KARS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.16%, less than CARZ's 1.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CARZ First Trust NASDAQ Global Auto Index Fund	1.35%	2.13%	1.17%	1.40%	1.59%	2.25%	0.63%	3.23%	2.85%	2.11%	2.47%	1.64%
KARS KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF	0.16%	0.18%	0.78%	0.88%	1.13%	6.73%	0.14%	1.85%	1.38%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KARS and CARZ in my portfolio?

KARS and CARZ have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KARS or CARZ?

CARZ has higher volatility (10.14%) compared to KARS (9.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KARS dropped -64.85% vs CARZ's -51.20%.

Which ETF is better, KARS or CARZ?

On 5-year performance, CARZ leads with 16.32% vs -2.35% for KARS. On fees, CARZ is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, KARS has been the lower-risk option at 9.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KARS or CARZ?

Over the 5-year period, CARZ has performed better with a 16.32% return vs -2.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KARS or CARZ?

CARZ is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.72% for KARS.

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

CARZ has the higher dividend yield at 1.35%, compared with 0.16% for KARS.

What is the main difference between KARS and CARZ?

KARS is categorized as Industrials Equities, while CARZ is Consumer Discretionary Equities. KARS tracks Bloomberg Electric Vehicles Index, while CARZ tracks NASDAQ OMX Global Automobile (TR). They also come from different issuers: KraneShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.72% for KARS and 0.70% for CARZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CARZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.53 vs 2.71), 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.