ARKQ vs QQQ
ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. ARKQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKQ | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.9B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.27% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +4.42% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.14% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.76% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.75% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2014 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ARKQ vs QQQ Performance
ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year ARKQ returned +30.14% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, ARKQ is up 4.42% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, ARKQ compounded at +32.76% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.75% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, ARKQ has the edge at +17.35% annualized vs +13.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 27.5% for ARKQ. 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 -59.9% for ARKQ and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKQ charges 0.75% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $18 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKQ currently yields 0.27% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ARKQ and QQQ share 14 holdings out of 128 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKQ or QQQ?
ARKQ has an expense ratio of 0.75% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKQ or QQQ?
Over the past year ARKQ returned +30.14% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so ARKQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ARKQ annualized +17.35% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKQ or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 27.5% for ARKQ. Worst drawdown: ARKQ -59.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ARKQ and QQQ?
ARKQ and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKQ and QQQ?
ARKQ and QQQ share 14 common holdings with a 21.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 128 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKQ or QQQ?
ARKQ yields 0.27% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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