ARKF vs SCHD
ARK Blockchain & Fintech Innovation ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $701M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.11% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -9.51% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | -19.98% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.08% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.14% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 38.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 1, 2019 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ARKF vs SCHD Performance
ARK Blockchain & Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year ARKF returned -19.98% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, ARKF is down 9.51% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, ARKF compounded at +28.08% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -3.14% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +10.72%. 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 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -33.4% for SCHD. 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
ARKF charges 0.75% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $6 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKF currently yields 0.11% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ARKF and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 137 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, ARKF or SCHD?
ARKF has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKF or SCHD?
Over the past year ARKF returned -19.98% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ARKF annualized +10.72% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKF or SCHD?
ARKF has been the more volatile fund at 38.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: ARKF -78.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ARKF and SCHD?
ARKF and SCHD 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 ARKF and SCHD?
ARKF and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 137 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKF or SCHD?
ARKF yields 0.11% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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