ARKG vs VXUS
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, ARKG or VXUS?
Small Cap Blend against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ARKG led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window, VXUS over 5Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKG | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $1.6B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 32 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +76.97%Best | +12.82% |
| 1Y Return | +87.14%Best | +19.86% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.47%Best | +19.33% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -8.35% | +9.46%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.7% | 14.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -83.6% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $6,466 | $15,714Best |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 31, 2014 to Sep 18, 2026 (11.9 years).
ARKG vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 11.9 years both funds cover.
ARKG vs VXUS Performance
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG) is an ETF from Ark Invest and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARKG returned +87.14% while VXUS returned +19.86%. Year to date, ARKG is up 76.97% versus a gain of 12.82% for VXUS.
Over three years, ARKG compounded at +20.47% per year against +19.33% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -8.35% and +9.46% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, ARKG has the edge at +9.24% annualized vs +5.97%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.7% compared with 14.8% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.57. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKG charges 0.75% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $5 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKG currently yields 0.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 31 holdings in ARKG and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 99.4% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 31 positions we hold weights for in ARKG and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 32 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of ARKG and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKG or VXUS?
ARKG has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $70 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, ARKG or VXUS?
Over the past year ARKG returned +87.14% vs +19.86% for VXUS, so ARKG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ARKG annualized +9.24% vs +5.97% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, ARKG or VXUS?
ARKG has been the more volatile fund at 36.7% annualized versus 14.8% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ARKG -83.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ARKG and VXUS?
ARKG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKG or VXUS?
ARKG yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than ARKG?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ARKG led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window, VXUS over 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.