ARKQ vs SPY
ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ARKQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKQ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.23% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.84% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.80% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +33.48% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.21% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ARKQ vs SPY Performance
ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) is a ETF from Ark Invest and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ARKQ returned +27.80% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, ARKQ is up 9.84% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, ARKQ compounded at +33.48% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.21% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, ARKQ has the edge at +17.88% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.6% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKQ charges 0.75% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $9 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKQ currently yields 0.23% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ARKQ and SPY share 17 holdings out of 526 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKQ or SPY?
ARKQ has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKQ or SPY?
Over the past year ARKQ returned +27.80% vs +21.96% for SPY, so ARKQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ARKQ annualized +17.88% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKQ or SPY?
ARKQ has been the more volatile fund at 27.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ARKQ -59.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ARKQ and SPY?
ARKQ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKQ and SPY?
ARKQ and SPY share 17 common holdings with a 16.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 526 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKQ or SPY?
ARKQ yields 0.23% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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