ARKG vs FTCB
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF vs First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF
Quick Verdict
FTCB has a lower expense ratio. ARKG delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTCB offers more diversification with 331 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKG | FTCB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.56% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $2.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 5.24% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 721 | |
| YTD Return | +51.85% | -0.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +89.52% | +2.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.61% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -12.04% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.4% | 5.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.6% | -5.0% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2014 | Nov 7, 2023 |
ARKG vs FTCB Performance
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG) is a ETF from Ark Invest and First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year ARKG returned +89.52% while FTCB returned +2.42%. Year to date, ARKG is up 51.85% versus a loss of 0.12% for FTCB.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.4% compared with 5.1% for FTCB. 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 -83.6% for ARKG and -5.0% for FTCB. 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKG charges 0.75% per year while FTCB charges 0.56%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $56 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKG currently yields 0.00% against 5.24% for FTCB.
Holdings Overlap
ARKG and FTCB share 0 holdings out of 362 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, ARKG or FTCB?
ARKG has an expense ratio of 0.75% while FTCB charges 0.56%. FTCB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKG or FTCB?
Over the past year ARKG returned +89.52% vs +2.42% for FTCB, so ARKG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ARKG annualized +7.91% vs +5.66% for FTCB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKG or FTCB?
ARKG has been the more volatile fund at 36.4% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: ARKG -83.6% vs FTCB -5.0%.
Should I hold both ARKG and FTCB?
ARKG and FTCB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKG and FTCB?
ARKG and FTCB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 362 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKG or FTCB?
ARKG yields 0.00% while FTCB yields 5.24%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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