ARKQ vs VYM
ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ARKQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKQ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.23% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +9.84% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.80% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +33.48% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.21% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ARKQ vs VYM Performance
ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARKQ returned +27.80% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, ARKQ is up 9.84% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, ARKQ compounded at +33.48% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.21% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, ARKQ has the edge at +17.88% annualized vs +7.11%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKQ charges 0.75% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $4 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKQ currently yields 0.23% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ARKQ and VYM share 4 holdings out of 594 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKQ or VYM?
ARKQ has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKQ or VYM?
Over the past year ARKQ returned +27.80% vs +24.43% for VYM, so ARKQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ARKQ annualized +17.88% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKQ or VYM?
ARKQ has been the more volatile fund at 27.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ARKQ -59.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ARKQ and VYM?
ARKQ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKQ and VYM?
ARKQ and VYM share 4 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 594 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKQ or VYM?
ARKQ yields 0.23% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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