ARKG vs IVV
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. ARKG delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKG | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +63.26% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +98.33% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.49% | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -9.67% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2014 | May 15, 2000 |
ARKG vs IVV Performance
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG) is a ETF from Ark Invest and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year ARKG returned +98.33% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, ARKG is up 63.26% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Over three years, ARKG compounded at +15.49% per year against +21.81% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are -9.67% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, ARKG has the edge at +8.56% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.8% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKG charges 0.75% per year while IVV 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, ARKG currently yields 0.00% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
ARKG and IVV share 1 holdings out of 535 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ARKG | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLY | 4.82% | 1.44% | 3.38% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKG or IVV?
ARKG has an expense ratio of 0.75% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKG or IVV?
Over the past year ARKG returned +98.33% vs +20.94% for IVV, so ARKG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ARKG annualized +8.56% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKG or IVV?
ARKG has been the more volatile fund at 36.8% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: ARKG -83.6% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both ARKG and IVV?
ARKG and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKG and IVV?
ARKG and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKG or IVV?
ARKG yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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