ARKX vs VXUS
ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ARKX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $760M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.12% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.37% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.18% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.60% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 30, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ARKX vs VXUS Performance
ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF (ARKX) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARKX returned +30.37% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, ARKX is up 16.12% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, ARKX compounded at +34.18% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.60% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, ARKX has the edge at +10.58% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.3% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKX charges 0.75% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $5 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKX currently yields 0.00% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ARKX and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7903 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKX or VXUS?
ARKX has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKX or VXUS?
Over the past year ARKX returned +30.37% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so ARKX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ARKX annualized +10.58% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKX or VXUS?
ARKX has been the more volatile fund at 28.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ARKX -43.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ARKX and VXUS?
ARKX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKX and VXUS?
ARKX and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7903 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKX or VXUS?
ARKX yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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