ARKG vs QQQ
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. ARKG delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +69.47% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +103.58% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.92% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -9.64% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2014 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ARKG vs QQQ Performance
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year ARKG returned +103.58% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, ARKG is up 69.47% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, ARKG compounded at +16.92% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -9.64% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +8.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.0% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKG charges 0.75% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $18 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKG currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ARKG and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 133 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 QQQ?
ARKG has an expense ratio of 0.75% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKG or QQQ?
Over the past year ARKG returned +103.58% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so ARKG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ARKG annualized +8.90% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKG or QQQ?
ARKG has been the more volatile fund at 37.0% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: ARKG -83.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ARKG and QQQ?
ARKG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKG and QQQ?
ARKG and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 133 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKG or QQQ?
ARKG yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.