ARKK vs VTI
ARK Innovation ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKK | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5.6B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 48 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +3.56% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.26% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.37% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -6.92% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.0% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
ARKK vs VTI Performance
ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARKK returned +5.26% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, ARKK is up 3.56% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, ARKK compounded at +24.37% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -6.92% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, ARKK has the edge at +13.43% annualized vs +8.16%. 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 15.4% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKK charges 0.75% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ARKK and VTI share 39 holdings out of 2793 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKK or VTI?
ARKK has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKK or VTI?
Over the past year ARKK returned +5.26% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ARKK annualized +13.43% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKK or VTI?
ARKK has been the more volatile fund at 36.0% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ARKK -80.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ARKK and VTI?
ARKK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKK and VTI?
ARKK and VTI share 39 common holdings with a 14.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2793 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKK or VTI?
ARKK yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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