VCAR vs. SPY

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VCAR (Simplify Volt RoboCar Disruption and Tech ETF) and SPY (State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VCAR is a Consumer Discretionary Equities fund actively managed by Simplify, while SPY is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. VCAR is actively managed, while SPY is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VCAR returned 9.84%/yr vs 12.94%/yr for SPY. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VCAR charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for SPY.

Performance

VCAR vs. SPY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Volt RoboCar Disruption and Tech ETF (VCAR) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCAR achieves a -10.37% return, which is significantly lower than SPY's 10.45% return.

VCAR

• 1D: -4.33%
• 1M: -4.85%
• 6M: -10.16%
• YTD: -10.37%
• 1Y: -22.02%
• 3Y*: 24.74%
• 5Y*: 9.84%
• 10Y*: —

SPY

• 1D: -0.77%
• 1M: 1.26%
• 6M: 8.34%
• YTD: 10.45%
• 1Y: 21.46%
• 3Y*: 20.07%
• 5Y*: 12.94%
• 10Y*: 15.08%

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

VCAR vs. SPY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
VCAR Simplify Volt RoboCar Disruption and Tech ETF	-10.37%	-14.73%	152.27%	58.33%	-61.11%	18.52%	2.57%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	10.45%	17.72%	24.89%	26.18%	-18.18%	28.73%	0.46%

Correlation

The correlation between VCAR and SPY is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 29, 2020	0.63

The correlation between VCAR and SPY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

VCAR vs. SPY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VCAR	SPY
Consumer Cyclical	100.0%	9.9%
Basic Materials	-	1.7%
Communication Services	-	10.6%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.5%
Energy	-	3.1%
Financial Services	-	11.1%
Healthcare	-	8.3%
Industrials	-	7.8%
Real Estate	-	1.8%
Technology	-	39.0%
Utilities	-	2.1%

Return for Risk

VCAR vs. SPY — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCAR

VCAR Risk / Return Rank: 6
VCAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
VCAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
VCAR Omega Ratio Rank: 7
VCAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
VCAR Martin Ratio Rank: 6

SPY

SPY Risk / Return Rank: 66
SPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
SPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
SPY Omega Ratio Rank: 65
SPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
SPY Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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. SPY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Volt RoboCar Disruption and Tech ETF (VCAR) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). 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	SPY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.39	1.71	-2.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.22	2.37	-2.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.97	1.31	-0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.39	2.43	-2.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.65	10.57	-11.22

VCAR vs. SPY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCAR Sharpe Ratio is -0.39, which is lower than the SPY Sharpe Ratio of 1.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCAR and SPY, 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. SPY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCAR drawdown since its inception was -69.11%, which is greater than SPY's maximum drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCAR and SPY.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCAR	SPY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.11%	-55.19%	-13.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-56.12%	-8.88%	-47.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-56.12%	-18.76%	-37.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-69.11%	-24.50%	-44.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.72%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-44.38%	-1.12%	-43.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-37.76%	-9.02%	-28.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	33.93%	2.03%	+31.90%

Volatility

VCAR vs. SPY - Volatility Comparison

Simplify Volt RoboCar Disruption and Tech ETF (VCAR) has a higher volatility of 18.67% compared to State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) at 4.26%. This indicates that VCAR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCAR	SPY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.67%	4.26%	+14.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	38.91%	10.01%	+28.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	57.15%	12.60%	+44.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	51.47%	17.17%	+34.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	50.34%	17.93%	+32.41%

VCAR vs. SPY - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCAR has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than SPY's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

VCAR vs. SPY - Dividend Comparison

VCAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 24.69%, more than SPY's 1.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	1.00%	1.07%	1.21%	1.40%	1.65%	1.20%	1.52%	1.75%	2.04%	1.80%	2.03%	2.06%
VCAR Simplify Volt RoboCar Disruption and Tech ETF	24.69%	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 SPY in my portfolio?

VCAR and SPY have a correlation of 0.57, 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 SPY?

VCAR has higher volatility (18.67%) compared to SPY (4.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCAR dropped -69.11% vs SPY's -55.19%.

Which ETF is better, VCAR or SPY?

On 5-year performance, SPY leads with 12.94% vs 9.84% for VCAR. On fees, SPY is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, SPY has been the lower-risk option at 4.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VCAR or SPY?

Over the 5-year period, SPY has performed better with a 12.94% return vs 9.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCAR or SPY?

SPY is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for VCAR.

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

VCAR has the higher dividend yield at 24.69%, compared with 1.00% for SPY.

What is the main difference between VCAR and SPY?

VCAR is categorized as Consumer Discretionary Equities, while SPY is S&P 500. They also come from different issuers: Simplify and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for VCAR and 0.09% for SPY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 vs -0.39), 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.