ARKW vs VOO
ARK Next Generation Internet ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKW | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.72% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +2.17% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.32% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +39.28% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.74% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.7% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2014 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ARKW vs VOO Performance
ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARKW returned -3.32% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, ARKW is up 2.17% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, ARKW compounded at +39.28% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +1.74% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, ARKW has the edge at +21.09% annualized vs +13.59%. 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 14.2% 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 -80.0% for ARKW 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKW charges 0.76% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $3 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKW currently yields 1.72% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ARKW and VOO share 17 holdings out of 529 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKW or VOO?
ARKW has an expense ratio of 0.76% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKW or VOO?
Over the past year ARKW returned -3.32% vs +21.79% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ARKW annualized +21.09% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKW or VOO?
ARKW has been the more volatile fund at 33.7% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ARKW -80.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ARKW and VOO?
ARKW and VOO 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 VOO?
ARKW and VOO share 17 common holdings with a 17.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 529 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKW or VOO?
ARKW yields 1.72% while VOO yields 1.08%, so ARKW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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