ARKQ vs VOO
ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. ARKQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKQ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.23% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.32% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.75% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.93% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.46% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2014 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ARKQ vs VOO Performance
ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARKQ returned +29.75% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, ARKQ is up 8.32% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, ARKQ compounded at +32.93% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.46% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, ARKQ has the edge at +17.76% annualized vs +13.55%. 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO 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, ARKQ currently yields 0.23% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ARKQ and VOO share 17 holdings out of 528 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 VOO?
ARKQ has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKQ or VOO?
Over the past year ARKQ returned +29.75% vs +22.62% for VOO, so ARKQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ARKQ annualized +17.76% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKQ or VOO?
ARKQ has been the more volatile fund at 27.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ARKQ -59.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ARKQ and VOO?
ARKQ and VOO 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 VOO?
ARKQ and VOO share 17 common holdings with a 16.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 528 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKQ or VOO?
ARKQ yields 0.23% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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