ARKG vs VOO
ARKG vs VOO
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. ARKG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +47.50% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +84.80% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.13% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -13.10% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2014 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ARKG vs VOO Performance
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARKG returned +84.80% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, ARKG is up 47.50% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, ARKG compounded at +9.13% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -13.10% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +7.65%. 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO 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 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ARKG and VOO share 1 holdings out of 535 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 VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLY | 4.82% | 1.47% | 3.35% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKG or VOO?
ARKG has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKG or VOO?
Over the past year ARKG returned +84.80% vs +23.71% for VOO, so ARKG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ARKG annualized +7.65% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKG or VOO?
ARKG has been the more volatile fund at 36.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ARKG -83.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ARKG and VOO?
ARKG and VOO 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 VOO?
ARKG and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKG or VOO?
ARKG yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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