ARKG vs VXUS
ARKG vs VXUS
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ARKG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +47.50% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +84.80% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.13% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -13.10% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ARKG vs VXUS Performance
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARKG returned +84.80% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ARKG is up 47.50% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, ARKG compounded at +9.13% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -13.10% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, ARKG has the edge at +7.65% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 15.1% 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 worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ARKG and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7892 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 VXUS?
ARKG has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKG or VXUS?
Over the past year ARKG returned +84.80% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so ARKG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ARKG annualized +7.65% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKG or VXUS?
ARKG has been the more volatile fund at 36.3% annualized versus 15.1% 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 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKG and VXUS?
ARKG and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7892 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKG or VXUS?
ARKG yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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