ARKF vs QQQ
ARK Blockchain & Fintech Innovation 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 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $701M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.11% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -8.28% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | -16.00% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.57% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.76% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 38.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 1, 2019 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ARKF vs QQQ Performance
ARK Blockchain & Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year ARKF returned -16.00% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, ARKF is down 8.28% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, ARKF compounded at +30.57% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -2.76% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +10.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.0% 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 -78.6% for ARKF 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKF charges 0.75% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $18 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKF currently yields 0.11% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ARKF and QQQ share 10 holdings out of 129 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKF or QQQ?
ARKF has an expense ratio of 0.75% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKF or QQQ?
Over the past year ARKF returned -16.00% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ARKF annualized +10.89% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKF or QQQ?
ARKF has been the more volatile fund at 38.0% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: ARKF -78.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ARKF and QQQ?
ARKF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKF and QQQ?
ARKF and QQQ share 10 common holdings with a 16.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 129 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKF or QQQ?
ARKF yields 0.11% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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