ARKG vs SCHD
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. ARKG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKG | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +52.67% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +90.55% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.88% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -11.71% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2014 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ARKG vs SCHD Performance
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year ARKG returned +90.55% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, ARKG is up 52.67% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, ARKG compounded at +11.88% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -11.71% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs +7.96%. 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 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKG charges 0.75% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $6 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKG currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ARKG and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 131 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 SCHD?
ARKG has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKG or SCHD?
Over the past year ARKG returned +90.55% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so ARKG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ARKG annualized +7.96% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKG or SCHD?
ARKG has been the more volatile fund at 36.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: ARKG -83.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ARKG and SCHD?
ARKG and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKG and SCHD?
ARKG and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 131 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKG or SCHD?
ARKG yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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