ARKX vs VTI
ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ARKX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $760M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.19% | +13.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.89% | +21.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +33.93% | +21.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.41% | +12.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 30, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
ARKX vs VTI Performance
ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF (ARKX) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARKX returned +27.89% while VTI returned +21.12%. Year to date, ARKX is up 13.19% versus a gain of 13.38% for VTI.
Over three years, ARKX compounded at +33.93% per year against +21.85% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.41% and +12.44% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, ARKX has the edge at +10.04% annualized vs +8.10%. 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 VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKX charges 0.75% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ARKX and VTI share 27 holdings out of 2796 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKX or VTI?
ARKX has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKX or VTI?
Over the past year ARKX returned +27.89% vs +21.12% for VTI, so ARKX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ARKX annualized +10.04% vs +8.10% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKX or VTI?
ARKX has been the more volatile fund at 28.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ARKX -43.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ARKX and VTI?
ARKX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKX and VTI?
ARKX and VTI share 27 common holdings with a 13.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2796 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKX or VTI?
ARKX yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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