ARKD vs VOO
ARK DIET Q1 Buffer ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -1.42% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | -66.45% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 61.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 2, 2026 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ARKD vs VOO Performance
ARK DIET Q1 Buffer ETF (ARKD) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARKD returned -66.45% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, ARKD is down 1.42% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 61.5% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKD charges 0.89% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $3 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKD currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ARKD and VOO share 0 holdings out of 506 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 VOO?
ARKD has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKD or VOO?
Over the past year ARKD returned -66.45% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ARKD annualized -11.94% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKD or VOO?
ARKD has been the more volatile fund at 61.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ARKD -72.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ARKD and VOO?
ARKD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKD and VOO?
ARKD and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKD or VOO?
ARKD yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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