ARKF vs SPY
ARK Blockchain & Fintech Innovation ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $701M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.11% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -11.84% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | -22.11% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.92% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.39% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 1, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ARKF vs SPY Performance
ARK Blockchain & Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF) is a ETF from Ark Invest and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ARKF returned -22.11% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, ARKF is down 11.84% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, ARKF compounded at +28.92% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -3.39% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, ARKF has the edge at +10.32% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.9% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKF charges 0.75% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $9 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKF currently yields 0.11% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ARKF and SPY share 11 holdings out of 530 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKF or SPY?
ARKF has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKF or SPY?
Over the past year ARKF returned -22.11% vs +20.62% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ARKF annualized +10.32% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKF or SPY?
ARKF has been the more volatile fund at 37.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ARKF -78.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ARKF and SPY?
ARKF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKF and SPY?
ARKF and SPY share 11 common holdings with a 10.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 530 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKF or SPY?
ARKF yields 0.11% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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