KARS vs SPY
KARS vs SPY
KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. KARS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KARS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.72% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $76M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.18% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 87 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -1.37% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.77% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.50% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -7.14% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | KraneShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 18, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
KARS vs SPY Performance
KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF (KARS) is a ETF from KraneShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year KARS returned +25.77% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, KARS is down 1.37% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, KARS compounded at -0.50% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -7.14% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +3.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KARS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.6% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -64.8% for KARS and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KARS charges 0.72% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $72 vs $9 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KARS currently yields 0.18% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KARS or SPY?
KARS has an expense ratio of 0.72% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KARS or SPY?
Over the past year KARS returned +25.77% vs +23.66% for SPY, so KARS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), KARS annualized +3.94% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KARS or SPY?
KARS has been the more volatile fund at 28.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: KARS -64.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both KARS and SPY?
KARS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KARS and SPY?
KARS and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 580 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KARS or SPY?
KARS yields 0.18% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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