ARKK vs IVV
ARK Innovation ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKK | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5.6B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 48 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +3.56% | +14.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.26% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.37% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -6.92% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2014 | May 15, 2000 |
ARKK vs IVV Performance
ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) is a ETF from Ark Invest and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year ARKK returned +5.26% while IVV returned +21.79%. Year to date, ARKK is up 3.56% versus a gain of 14.29% for IVV.
Over three years, ARKK compounded at +24.37% per year against +22.19% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are -6.92% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, ARKK has the edge at +13.43% annualized vs +7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.0% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -80.9% for ARKK and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKK charges 0.75% per year while IVV 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, ARKK currently yields 0.00% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
ARKK and IVV share 15 holdings out of 535 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKK or IVV?
ARKK has an expense ratio of 0.75% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKK or IVV?
Over the past year ARKK returned +5.26% vs +21.79% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ARKK annualized +13.43% vs +7.06% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKK or IVV?
ARKK has been the more volatile fund at 36.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: ARKK -80.9% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both ARKK and IVV?
ARKK and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKK and IVV?
ARKK and IVV share 15 common holdings with a 13.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKK or IVV?
ARKK yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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