ARKW vs SPY
ARK Next Generation Internet ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.72% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.52% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.07% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +40.67% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.67% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ARKW vs SPY Performance
ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW) 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 ARKW returned +0.07% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, ARKW is up 1.52% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, ARKW compounded at +40.67% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +1.67% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, ARKW has the edge at +20.99% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.7% 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 -80.0% for ARKW 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKW charges 0.76% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $9 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKW currently yields 1.72% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ARKW and SPY share 17 holdings out of 528 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKW or SPY?
ARKW has an expense ratio of 0.76% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKW or SPY?
Over the past year ARKW returned +0.07% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ARKW annualized +20.99% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKW or SPY?
ARKW has been the more volatile fund at 33.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ARKW -80.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ARKW and SPY?
ARKW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKW and SPY?
ARKW and SPY share 17 common holdings with a 17.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 528 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKW or SPY?
ARKW yields 1.72% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ARKW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.