ARKX vs VOO
ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. ARKX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $760M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.19% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.89% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +33.93% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.41% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 30, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ARKX vs VOO Performance
ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF (ARKX) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARKX returned +27.89% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, ARKX is up 13.19% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, ARKX compounded at +33.93% per year against +22.09% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.41% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs +10.04%. 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 14.1% 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 -43.6% for ARKX 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKX charges 0.75% per year while VOO 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 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ARKX and VOO share 18 holdings out of 523 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 VOO?
ARKX has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKX or VOO?
Over the past year ARKX returned +27.89% vs +20.69% for VOO, so ARKX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ARKX annualized +10.04% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKX or VOO?
ARKX has been the more volatile fund at 28.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ARKX -43.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ARKX and VOO?
ARKX and VOO 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 VOO?
ARKX and VOO share 18 common holdings with a 14.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 523 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKX or VOO?
ARKX yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO 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.