ARKX vs SPY
ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ARKX delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $760M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.06% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.71% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +33.45% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.35% | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 30, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ARKX vs SPY Performance
ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF (ARKX) 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 ARKX returned +31.71% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, ARKX is up 12.06% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, ARKX compounded at +33.45% per year against +22.06% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.35% and +13.35% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, ARKX has the edge at +9.83% annualized vs +8.82%. 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 15.3% 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 -43.6% for ARKX 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKX charges 0.75% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $9 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKX currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ARKX and SPY share 18 holdings out of 522 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKX or SPY?
ARKX has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKX or SPY?
Over the past year ARKX returned +31.71% vs +21.53% for SPY, so ARKX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ARKX annualized +9.83% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKX or SPY?
ARKX has been the more volatile fund at 28.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ARKX -43.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ARKX and SPY?
ARKX and SPY 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 SPY?
ARKX and SPY share 18 common holdings with a 14.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 522 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKX or SPY?
ARKX yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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