ARKG vs SPY
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ARKG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +51.88% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +76.15% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.66% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -11.51% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ARKG vs SPY Performance
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG) is a ETF from Ark Invest and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ARKG returned +76.15% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, ARKG is up 51.88% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, ARKG compounded at +11.66% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -11.51% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +7.91%. 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 15.3% for SPY. 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 SPY. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKG charges 0.75% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $9 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKG currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ARKG and SPY share 1 holdings out of 533 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ARKG | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLY | 4.82% | 1.46% | 3.36% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKG or SPY?
ARKG has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKG or SPY?
Over the past year ARKG returned +76.15% vs +21.96% for SPY, so ARKG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ARKG annualized +7.91% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKG or SPY?
ARKG has been the more volatile fund at 36.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ARKG -83.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ARKG and SPY?
ARKG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKG and SPY?
ARKG and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 533 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKG or SPY?
ARKG yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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