DRAM ETF Doubles Since Launch, Top Holdings Revealed

The Simplify Volt Robocar ETF (DRAM) has doubled in value since its launch, reaching a 100% total return as of late May 2026. This performance significantly outpaces major equity benchmarks over the same period. The actively managed ETF, which focuses on companies involved in robotics, autonomous vehicles, and artificial intelligence, has drawn substantial institutional interest. Its top holdings, concentrated in a select group of high-growth tech names, have been the primary driver of these outsized gains.

Context — why this matters now

The DRAM ETF's milestone arrives during a period of intense investor focus on the tangible applications of artificial intelligence. While earlier AI rallies centered on semiconductor manufacturers like Nvidia, capital is now flowing toward companies building practical AI-driven products and services. The autonomous vehicle and robotics sectors represent a key frontier for this applied AI, with regulatory frameworks beginning to solidify. The last comparable surge in a thematic tech ETF was the Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ), which gained over 60% in the 12 months following the ChatGPT breakout in late 2022. The current macro backdrop, characterized by stable but elevated interest rates, has incentivized growth in sectors with demonstrable technological disruption and revenue acceleration.

Data — what the numbers show

DRAM's net asset value has climbed from its inception price to a current level reflecting a 100% total return. This compares to a gain of approximately 28% for the S&P 500 and 35% for the Nasdaq-100 index over the identical timeframe. The ETF's top five holdings constitute over 45% of its portfolio, indicating a highly concentrated strategy. Key positions include Tesla, recognized for its autonomous driving software development, and Nvidia, whose chips power the complex computations required for machine learning. The portfolio also features significant allocations to companies like Toyota Motor, which has aggressively advanced its robotics initiatives, and Aptiv, a leader in automotive technology and sensing systems. The fund's assets under management have swelled from an initial raise to over $300 million, signaling strong capital inflows.

Metric	DRAM ETF	S&P 500 (SPY)
Return Since DRAM Launch	+100%	+28%
Primary Sector Focus	AI & Robotics	Broad Market

Analysis — what it means for markets / sectors / tickers

The success of DRAM highlights a maturation in thematic investing, where capital targets specific technological ecosystems rather than broad sector bets. This flow benefits pure-play companies in computer vision, like Mobileye, and lidar sensor manufacturers, such as Luminar Technologies. The outperformance also pressures more diversified tech ETFs, like the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK), to justify their allocations to slower-growing legacy hardware and software names. A key risk to DRAM's strategy is its high concentration, which could lead to elevated volatility if one of its top holdings faces regulatory or execution setbacks. Trading data indicates that hedge funds and other active managers are using the ETF for tactical exposure to the autonomous driving theme, often pairing it with short positions in traditional automotive manufacturers slower to adopt new technologies.

Outlook — what to watch next

Two immediate catalysts will test DRAM's momentum: the next Federal Open Market Committee meeting on June 17-18, 2026, and the Q2 2026 earnings season commencing in mid-July. Hawkish signals from the Fed could pressure high-multiple growth stocks within the ETF. Key technical levels to monitor include the $50 per share price point, which has acted as support, and a break above $60, which would signal a new phase of the rally. The Department of Transportation's anticipated ruling on Level 3 autonomous vehicle deployment on additional US highways in Q3 2026 represents a critical regulatory hurdle. The performance of newly public AI companies, which may be added to the ETF's portfolio, will also influence future returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DRAM ETF invested in?

The Simplify Volt Robocar ETF (DRAM) holds a concentrated portfolio of companies developing and commercializing technologies for autonomous vehicles, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Its largest positions are in firms like Tesla, Nvidia, and Toyota, which are directly involved in creating the hardware and software for self-driving systems. The fund is actively managed, meaning its holdings can change based on the portfolio managers' outlook for the evolving technology landscape.

How does DRAM's performance compare to other AI-focused ETFs?

DRAM's 100% return since inception has significantly outperformed older, broader AI-themed ETFs. For example, the iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF (IRBO) has returned approximately 45% over the same period. DRAM's advantage stems from its tighter focus on the autonomous vehicle subsector and its concentrated, high-conviction stock selection, whereas IRBO holds a more diversified basket of over 100 global companies.

Is the DRAM ETF too volatile for long-term investors?

Due to its concentrated nature and focus on high-growth, disruptive technology stocks, DRAM exhibits higher volatility than the overall market. Its beta, a measure of volatility relative to the S&P 500, is typically above 1.3. This makes it more susceptible to sharp swings during market downturns or sector-specific negative news. Investors should consider this risk profile and ensure the allocation aligns with their long-term investment strategy and risk tolerance.

Bottom Line

DRAM’s 100% gain underscores intense capital rotation into applied artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. CFD trading carries high risk of capital loss.