ARKD vs QQQ
ARK DIET Q1 Buffer ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKD | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.07% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | -67.55% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 61.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 2, 2026 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ARKD vs QQQ Performance
ARK DIET Q1 Buffer ETF (ARKD) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year ARKD returned -67.55% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, ARKD is down 0.07% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 61.6% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -72.1% for ARKD and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKD charges 0.89% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $18 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKD currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ARKD and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 104 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKD or QQQ?
ARKD has an expense ratio of 0.89% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKD or QQQ?
Over the past year ARKD returned -67.55% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ARKD annualized -11.40% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKD or QQQ?
ARKD has been the more volatile fund at 61.6% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: ARKD -72.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ARKD and QQQ?
ARKD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKD and QQQ?
ARKD and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKD or QQQ?
ARKD yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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