ARKQ vs VXUS
ARKQ vs VXUS
ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ARKQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKQ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.23% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.94% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.63% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.78% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.59% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ARKQ vs VXUS Performance
ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARKQ returned +30.63% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ARKQ is up 7.94% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, ARKQ compounded at +31.78% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.59% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, ARKQ has the edge at +17.74% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKQ charges 0.75% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $5 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKQ currently yields 0.23% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ARKQ and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7899 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKQ or VXUS?
ARKQ has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKQ or VXUS?
Over the past year ARKQ returned +30.63% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so ARKQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ARKQ annualized +17.74% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKQ or VXUS?
ARKQ has been the more volatile fund at 27.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ARKQ -59.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ARKQ and VXUS?
ARKQ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKQ and VXUS?
ARKQ and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7899 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKQ or VXUS?
ARKQ yields 0.23% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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