ARKG vs IG
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF vs Principal Investment Grade Corporate ETF
Quick Verdict
IG has a lower expense ratio. ARKG delivered stronger 1-year returns. IG offers more diversification with 145 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKG | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.19% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $198M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 5.07% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 248 | |
| YTD Return | +51.85% | -1.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +89.52% | +0.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.61% | +4.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -12.04% | -0.73% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.4% | 8.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.6% | -23.8% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Principal Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2014 | Apr 18, 2018 |
ARKG vs IG Performance
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Principal Investment Grade Corporate ETF (IG) is a ETF from Principal Funds. Over the past year ARKG returned +89.52% while IG returned +0.44%. Year to date, ARKG is up 51.85% versus a loss of 1.95% for IG.
Over three years, ARKG compounded at +11.61% per year against +4.69% for IG; over five years the annualized figures are -12.04% and -0.73% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, ARKG has the edge at +7.91% annualized vs +0.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.4% compared with 8.0% for IG. 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 -23.8% for IG. 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKG charges 0.75% per year while IG charges 0.19%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $19 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKG currently yields 0.00% against 5.07% for IG.
Holdings Overlap
ARKG and IG share 0 holdings out of 176 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 IG?
ARKG has an expense ratio of 0.75% while IG charges 0.19%. IG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKG or IG?
Over the past year ARKG returned +89.52% vs +0.44% for IG, so ARKG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ARKG annualized +7.91% vs +0.54% for IG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKG or IG?
ARKG has been the more volatile fund at 36.4% annualized versus 8.0% for IG. Worst drawdown: ARKG -83.6% vs IG -23.8%.
Should I hold both ARKG and IG?
ARKG and IG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKG and IG?
ARKG and IG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 176 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKG or IG?
ARKG yields 0.00% while IG yields 5.07%, so IG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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