VCAR vs. ARKK

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VCAR (Simplify Volt RoboCar Disruption and Tech ETF) and ARKK (ARK Innovation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VCAR is a Consumer Discretionary Equities fund actively managed by Simplify, while ARKK is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by ARK. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VCAR returned 8.82%/yr vs -9.10%/yr for ARKK. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VCAR charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKK.

Performance

VCAR vs. ARKK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Volt RoboCar Disruption and Tech ETF (VCAR) and ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCAR achieves a -12.28% return, which is significantly lower than ARKK's -0.31% return.

VCAR

• 1D: -6.80%
• 1M: -14.12%
• YTD: -12.28%
• 6M: -17.99%
• 1Y: -31.81%
• 3Y*: 26.19%
• 5Y*: 8.82%
• 10Y*: —

ARKK

• 1D: -2.23%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: -0.31%
• 6M: -4.76%
• 1Y: 11.37%
• 3Y*: 22.42%
• 5Y*: -9.10%
• 10Y*: 15.90%

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

VCAR vs. ARKK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
VCAR Simplify Volt RoboCar Disruption and Tech ETF	-12.28%	-14.73%	152.27%	58.33%	-61.11%	18.52%	2.57%
ARKK ARK Innovation ETF	-0.31%	35.49%	8.40%	69.04%	-66.97%	-23.60%	-2.56%

Correlation

The correlation between VCAR and ARKK is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 29, 2020	0.66

The correlation between VCAR and ARKK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

VCAR vs. ARKK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VCAR	ARKK
Consumer Cyclical	100.0%	14.1%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	10.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	16.2%
Healthcare	-	28.1%
Industrials	-	5.7%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	25.9%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

VCAR vs. ARKK — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCAR

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

ARKK

ARKK Risk / Return Rank: 13
ARKK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
ARKK Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
ARKK Omega Ratio Rank: 13
ARKK Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
ARKK Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

VCAR vs. ARKK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Volt RoboCar Disruption and Tech ETF (VCAR) and ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK). 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.

	VCAR	ARKK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.57	0.32	-0.88
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.56	0.69	-1.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.93	1.08	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.57	0.36	-0.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.98	0.78	-1.76

VCAR vs. ARKK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCAR Sharpe Ratio is -0.57, which is lower than the ARKK Sharpe Ratio of 0.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCAR and ARKK, 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

VCAR vs. ARKK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCAR drawdown since its inception was -69.11%, smaller than the maximum ARKK drawdown of -80.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCAR and ARKK.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCAR	ARKK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.11%	-80.97%	+11.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-56.12%	-31.35%	-24.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-56.12%	-39.56%	-16.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-69.11%	-77.23%	+8.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-80.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-45.57%	-50.35%	+4.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-37.71%	-30.20%	-7.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	32.64%	14.57%	+18.07%

Volatility

VCAR vs. ARKK - Volatility Comparison

Simplify Volt RoboCar Disruption and Tech ETF (VCAR) has a higher volatility of 15.88% compared to ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) at 12.53%. This indicates that VCAR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ARKK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCAR	ARKK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.88%	12.53%	+3.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	41.68%	26.71%	+14.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	57.85%	36.20%	+21.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	51.05%	46.46%	+4.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	50.14%	40.40%	+9.74%

VCAR vs. ARKK - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCAR has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than ARKK's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

VCAR vs. ARKK - Dividend Comparison

VCAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 26.22%, while ARKK has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKK ARK Innovation ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.70%	0.00%	0.55%	1.64%	0.38%	3.14%	1.32%	0.00%	2.27%
VCAR Simplify Volt RoboCar Disruption and Tech ETF	26.22%	23.87%	0.62%	0.00%	0.83%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCAR and ARKK in my portfolio?

VCAR and ARKK have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VCAR or ARKK?

VCAR has higher volatility (15.88%) compared to ARKK (12.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCAR dropped -69.11% vs ARKK's -80.97%.

Which ETF is better, VCAR or ARKK?

On 5-year performance, VCAR leads with 8.82% vs -9.10% for ARKK. On fees, ARKK is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, ARKK has been the lower-risk option at 12.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VCAR or ARKK?

Over the 5-year period, VCAR has performed better with a 8.82% return vs -9.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCAR or ARKK?

ARKK is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for VCAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VCAR or ARKK?

VCAR has the higher dividend yield at 26.22%, compared with 0.00% for ARKK.

What is the main difference between VCAR and ARKK?

VCAR is categorized as Consumer Discretionary Equities, while ARKK is Technology Equities. They also come from different issuers: Simplify and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for VCAR and 0.75% for ARKK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.32 vs -0.57), 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.