XRT vs. VCAR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

XRT (SPDR S&P Retail ETF) and VCAR (Simplify Volt RoboCar Disruption and Tech ETF) are both Consumer Discretionary Equities funds. XRT is passively managed, while VCAR is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, XRT returned -0.91%/yr vs 8.82%/yr for VCAR. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XRT charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for VCAR.

Performance

XRT vs. VCAR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XRT achieves a 1.06% return, which is significantly higher than VCAR's -12.28% return.

XRT

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: 4.15%
• YTD: 1.06%
• 6M: -0.21%
• 1Y: 12.05%
• 3Y*: 12.88%
• 5Y*: -0.91%
• 10Y*: 9.25%

VCAR

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

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

XRT vs. VCAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
XRT SPDR S&P Retail ETF	1.06%	8.07%	11.78%	21.53%	-31.64%	42.60%	-1.18%
VCAR Simplify Volt RoboCar Disruption and Tech ETF	-12.28%	-14.73%	152.27%	58.33%	-61.11%	18.52%	2.57%

Correlation

The correlation between XRT and VCAR is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.38
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 29, 2020	0.44

The correlation between XRT and VCAR shifts across timeframes, from 0.29 (1 year) to 0.45 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XRT vs. VCAR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XRT	VCAR
Consumer Cyclical	76.5%	100.0%
Consumer Defensive	19.2%	-
Communication Services	1.5%	-
Technology	1.4%	-
Energy	1.3%	-
Healthcare	1.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XRT vs. VCAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

XRT

XRT Risk / Return Rank: 19
XRT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
XRT Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
XRT Omega Ratio Rank: 17
XRT Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
XRT Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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

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.

XRT vs. VCAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) and Simplify Volt RoboCar Disruption and Tech ETF (VCAR). 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.

	XRT	VCAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.59	-0.57	+1.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.01	-0.56	+1.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	0.93	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.89	-0.57	+1.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.02	-0.98	+3.00

XRT vs. VCAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XRT Sharpe Ratio is 0.59, which is higher than the VCAR Sharpe Ratio of -0.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XRT and VCAR, 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

XRT vs. VCAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XRT drawdown since its inception was -65.81%, roughly equal to the maximum VCAR drawdown of -69.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XRT and VCAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	XRT	VCAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.81%	-69.11%	+3.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.53%	-56.12%	+42.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.62%	-56.12%	+30.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.57%	-69.11%	+24.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.02%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.14%	-45.57%	+34.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.99%	-37.71%	+22.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.97%	32.64%	-26.67%

Volatility

XRT vs. VCAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) is 6.36%, while Simplify Volt RoboCar Disruption and Tech ETF (VCAR) has a volatility of 15.88%. This indicates that XRT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VCAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XRT	VCAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.36%	15.88%	-9.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.34%	41.68%	-27.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.60%	57.85%	-37.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.93%	51.05%	-24.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.19%	50.14%	-22.95%

XRT vs. VCAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

XRT has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than VCAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

XRT vs. VCAR - Dividend Comparison

XRT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.79%, less than VCAR's 26.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
XRT SPDR S&P Retail ETF	0.79%	0.77%	1.52%	1.40%	2.15%	1.55%	1.01%	1.57%	1.51%	1.52%	1.36%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XRT and VCAR in my portfolio?

XRT and VCAR have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XRT or VCAR?

VCAR has higher volatility (15.88%) compared to XRT (6.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XRT dropped -65.81% vs VCAR's -69.11%.

Which ETF is better, XRT or VCAR?

On 5-year performance, VCAR leads with 8.82% vs -0.91% for XRT. On fees, XRT is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, XRT has been the lower-risk option at 6.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XRT or VCAR?

Over the 5-year period, VCAR has performed better with a 8.82% return vs -0.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XRT or VCAR?

XRT is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for VCAR.

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

VCAR has the higher dividend yield at 26.22%, compared with 0.79% for XRT.

What is the main difference between XRT and VCAR?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XRT and 0.95% for VCAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XRT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.59 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.