ARKF vs VOO
ARK Blockchain & Fintech Innovation ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $701M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.11% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -9.51% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | -19.98% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.08% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.14% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 38.0% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 1, 2019 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ARKF vs VOO Performance
ARK Blockchain & Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARKF returned -19.98% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, ARKF is down 9.51% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, ARKF compounded at +28.08% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -3.14% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% 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 14.2% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKF currently yields 0.11% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ARKF and VOO share 11 holdings out of 531 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKF or VOO?
ARKF has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKF or VOO?
Over the past year ARKF returned -19.98% vs +21.79% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ARKF annualized +10.72% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKF or VOO?
ARKF has been the more volatile fund at 38.0% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ARKF -78.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ARKF and VOO?
ARKF and VOO 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 VOO?
ARKF and VOO share 11 common holdings with a 10.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 531 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKF or VOO?
ARKF yields 0.11% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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