KARS vs. FTXR

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

KARS (KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF) and FTXR (First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF) are both Industrials Equities funds - KARS tracks the Bloomberg Electric Vehicles Index while FTXR tracks the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Transportation Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, KARS returned -6.50%/yr vs 9.44%/yr for FTXR. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KARS charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXR.

Performance

KARS vs. FTXR - 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 Transportation ETF (FTXR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KARS achieves a -3.18% return, which is significantly lower than FTXR's 18.26% return.

KARS

• 1D: -2.28%
• 1M: -13.36%
• 6M: -8.53%
• YTD: -3.18%
• 1Y: 28.24%
• 3Y*: -2.81%
• 5Y*: -6.50%
• 10Y*: —

FTXR

• 1D: 1.78%
• 1M: 1.36%
• 6M: 12.83%
• YTD: 18.26%
• 1Y: 41.03%
• 3Y*: 16.12%
• 5Y*: 9.44%
• 10Y*: —

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

KARS vs. FTXR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
KARS KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF	-3.18%	46.04%	-17.88%	-7.85%	-39.20%	24.11%	71.17%	34.66%	-28.04%
FTXR First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF	18.26%	14.70%	17.09%	20.93%	-25.38%	24.02%	15.03%	14.82%	-19.32%

Correlation

The correlation between KARS and FTXR is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 19, 2018	0.59

The correlation between KARS and FTXR shifts across timeframes, from 0.41 (1 year) to 0.60 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

KARS vs. FTXR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KARS	FTXR
Consumer Cyclical	33.5%	34.8%
Basic Materials	25.4%	-
Industrials	22.1%	64.7%
Technology	19.0%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.5%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

KARS vs. FTXR — Risk / Return Rank

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

KARS

KARS Risk / Return Rank: 33
KARS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
KARS Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
KARS Omega Ratio Rank: 33
KARS Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
KARS Martin Ratio Rank: 35

FTXR

FTXR Risk / Return Rank: 71
FTXR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
FTXR Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
FTXR Omega Ratio Rank: 67
FTXR Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
FTXR Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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. FTXR - 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 Transportation ETF (FTXR). 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.

	KARS	FTXR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.00	1.91	-0.90
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.45	2.68	-1.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.32	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.28	2.84	-1.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.29	9.65	-5.36

KARS vs. FTXR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KARS Sharpe Ratio is 1.00, which is lower than the FTXR Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KARS and FTXR, 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

KARS vs. FTXR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KARS drawdown since its inception was -64.85%, which is greater than FTXR's maximum drawdown of -52.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KARS and FTXR.

Drawdown Indicators

	KARS	FTXR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.85%	-52.06%	-12.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-22.20%	-14.49%	-7.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-47.79%	-29.71%	-18.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-64.85%	-33.96%	-30.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-40.98%	0.00%	-40.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.41%	-10.94%	-17.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.60%	4.26%	+2.34%

Volatility

KARS vs. FTXR - Volatility Comparison

KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF (KARS) has a higher volatility of 8.21% compared to First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR) at 5.51%. This indicates that KARS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTXR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KARS	FTXR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.21%	5.51%	+2.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.84%	17.27%	+4.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.24%	21.59%	+6.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.13%	23.97%	+6.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.40%	24.71%	+4.69%

KARS vs. FTXR - Expense Ratio Comparison

KARS has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than FTXR's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

KARS vs. FTXR - Dividend Comparison

KARS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.19%, less than FTXR's 0.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FTXR First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF	0.95%	1.52%	2.13%	1.50%	2.38%	0.67%	0.33%	1.34%	1.74%	1.18%	0.24%
KARS KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF	0.19%	0.18%	0.78%	0.88%	1.13%	6.73%	0.14%	1.85%	1.38%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KARS and FTXR in my portfolio?

KARS and FTXR have a correlation of 0.41, 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 FTXR?

KARS has higher volatility (8.21%) compared to FTXR (5.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KARS dropped -64.85% vs FTXR's -52.06%.

Which ETF is better, KARS or FTXR?

On 5-year performance, FTXR leads with 9.44% vs -6.50% for KARS. On fees, FTXR is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, FTXR has been the lower-risk option at 5.51%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KARS or FTXR?

Over the 5-year period, FTXR has performed better with a 9.44% return vs -6.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KARS or FTXR?

FTXR is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.72% for KARS.

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

FTXR has the higher dividend yield at 0.95%, compared with 0.19% for KARS.

What is the main difference between KARS and FTXR?

KARS tracks Bloomberg Electric Vehicles Index, while FTXR tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Transportation Index. They also come from different issuers: KraneShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.72% for KARS and 0.60% for FTXR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 1.00), 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.