ARKD vs VXUS
ARKD vs VXUS
ARK DIET Q1 Buffer ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -1.42% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -66.45% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 61.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 2, 2026 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ARKD vs VXUS Performance
ARK DIET Q1 Buffer ETF (ARKD) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARKD returned -66.45% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ARKD is down 1.42% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 61.5% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.00. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKD charges 0.89% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $5 annually, a gap of $84 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKD currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ARKD and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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 VXUS?
ARKD has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $84 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKD or VXUS?
Over the past year ARKD returned -66.45% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ARKD annualized -11.94% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKD or VXUS?
ARKD has been the more volatile fund at 61.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ARKD -72.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ARKD and VXUS?
ARKD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.00, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKD and VXUS?
ARKD and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKD or VXUS?
ARKD yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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