ARKG vs MFEM
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF vs PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
MFEM has a lower expense ratio. ARKG delivered stronger 1-year returns. MFEM offers more diversification with 701 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKG | MFEM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.49% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $156M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.39% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 701 | |
| YTD Return | +48.90% | +22.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +73.25% | +34.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.21% | +20.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -11.54% | +8.69% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.3% | 17.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.6% | -45.3% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | PIMCO (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2014 | Aug 31, 2017 |
ARKG vs MFEM Performance
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG) is a ETF from Ark Invest and PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (MFEM) is a ETF from PIMCO (US). Over the past year ARKG returned +73.25% while MFEM returned +34.93%. Year to date, ARKG is up 48.90% versus a gain of 22.70% for MFEM.
Over three years, ARKG compounded at +11.21% per year against +20.54% for MFEM; over five years the annualized figures are -11.54% and +8.69% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, ARKG has the edge at +7.73% annualized vs +6.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.3% compared with 17.7% for MFEM. 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 -45.3% for MFEM. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKG charges 0.75% per year while MFEM charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $49 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKG currently yields 0.00% against 2.39% for MFEM.
Holdings Overlap
ARKG and MFEM share 0 holdings out of 534 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 MFEM?
ARKG has an expense ratio of 0.75% while MFEM charges 0.49%. MFEM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKG or MFEM?
Over the past year ARKG returned +73.25% vs +34.93% for MFEM, so ARKG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), ARKG annualized +7.73% vs +6.94% for MFEM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKG or MFEM?
ARKG has been the more volatile fund at 36.3% annualized versus 17.7% for MFEM. Worst drawdown: ARKG -83.6% vs MFEM -45.3%.
Should I hold both ARKG and MFEM?
ARKG and MFEM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKG and MFEM?
ARKG and MFEM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 534 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKG or MFEM?
ARKG yields 0.00% while MFEM yields 2.39%, so MFEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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