ARKD vs VTI
ARK DIET Q1 Buffer ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.54% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | -66.92% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 61.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 2, 2026 | May 24, 2001 |
ARKD vs VTI Performance
ARK DIET Q1 Buffer ETF (ARKD) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARKD returned -66.92% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, ARKD is down 0.54% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 61.5% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKD charges 0.89% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ARKD and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2784 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 VTI?
ARKD has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKD or VTI?
Over the past year ARKD returned -66.92% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ARKD annualized -11.57% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKD or VTI?
ARKD has been the more volatile fund at 61.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ARKD -72.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ARKD and VTI?
ARKD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKD and VTI?
ARKD and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKD or VTI?
ARKD yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.