ARKX vs IVV
ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. ARKX delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKX | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $760M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +12.06% | +13.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.71% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +33.45% | +22.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.35% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 30, 2021 | May 15, 2000 |
ARKX vs IVV Performance
ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF (ARKX) is a ETF from Ark Invest and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year ARKX returned +31.71% while IVV returned +21.62%. Year to date, ARKX is up 12.06% versus a gain of 13.22% for IVV.
Over three years, ARKX compounded at +33.45% per year against +22.17% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +11.35% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, ARKX has the edge at +9.83% annualized vs +7.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.1% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -43.6% for ARKX and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKX charges 0.75% per year while IVV 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, ARKX currently yields 0.00% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
ARKX and IVV share 18 holdings out of 523 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKX or IVV?
ARKX has an expense ratio of 0.75% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKX or IVV?
Over the past year ARKX returned +31.71% vs +21.62% for IVV, so ARKX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ARKX annualized +9.83% vs +7.02% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKX or IVV?
ARKX has been the more volatile fund at 28.1% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: ARKX -43.6% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both ARKX and IVV?
ARKX and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKX and IVV?
ARKX and IVV share 18 common holdings with a 14.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 523 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKX or IVV?
ARKX yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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