ARKG vs FTKI
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF vs First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF
Quick Verdict
ARKG has a lower expense ratio. ARKG delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTKI offers more diversification with 144 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKG | FTKI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $25M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 12.53% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 170 | |
| YTD Return | +52.67% | +13.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +90.55% | +21.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.88% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -11.71% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.4% | 10.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.6% | -15.2% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2014 | Feb 26, 2025 |
ARKG vs FTKI Performance
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG) is a ETF from Ark Invest and First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF (FTKI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year ARKG returned +90.55% while FTKI returned +21.74%. Year to date, ARKG is up 52.67% versus a gain of 13.28% for FTKI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.4% compared with 10.3% for FTKI. 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 -15.2% for FTKI. 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKG charges 0.75% per year while FTKI charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $85 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKG currently yields 0.00% against 12.53% for FTKI.
Holdings Overlap
ARKG and FTKI share 2 holdings out of 173 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKG or FTKI?
ARKG has an expense ratio of 0.75% while FTKI charges 0.85%. ARKG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKG or FTKI?
Over the past year ARKG returned +90.55% vs +21.74% for FTKI, so ARKG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ARKG annualized +7.96% vs +12.78% for FTKI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKG or FTKI?
ARKG has been the more volatile fund at 36.4% annualized versus 10.3% for FTKI. Worst drawdown: ARKG -83.6% vs FTKI -15.2%.
Should I hold both ARKG and FTKI?
ARKG and FTKI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKG and FTKI?
ARKG and FTKI share 2 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 173 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKG or FTKI?
ARKG yields 0.00% while FTKI yields 12.53%, so FTKI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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