ETF Versus

ARKK vs MGC

ARK Innovation ETF vs Vanguard Mega Cap Index Fund

Last updated: 2026-04-02

ARKK ARK

ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) is an exchange-traded fund issued by ARK that provides exposure to thematic - innovation securities. It charges a high expense ratio of 0.75%. Launched in 2014, the fund has a 12-year track record.

AUM: $6.7B ER: 0.75% Yield: N/A Since: 2014-10-31
MGC Vanguard

Vanguard Mega Cap Index Fund (MGC) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Vanguard that provides exposure to large-cap U.S. equities across growth and value styles. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.05%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.02%. Launched in 2007, the fund has a 19-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.05% Yield: 1.02% Since: 2007-12-27

Quick Verdict

MGC is significantly cheaper at 0.05% vs 0.75% expense ratio, saving you approximately $1,354 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. Over the past year, ARKK has significantly outperformed with a 38.6% return vs 16.9%.

Key Metrics

Metric ARKK MGC
Expense Ratio 0.75% 0.05%
Dividend Yield N/A 1.0%
Fund Family ARK Vanguard
Category Thematic - Innovation US Large Cap Blend

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

20 52 84 116 148 180 2021-04 2022-06 2023-10 2024-12 2026-04
ARKK -44.0%
MGC +65.4%

Performance Comparison

Period ARKK MGC Difference
1 Month -5.72% -3.75% -1.97%
3 Months -13.00% -5.28% -7.72%
6 Months -25.61% -3.37% -22.24%
YTD -13.00% -5.28% -7.72%
1 Year +38.62% +16.90% +21.72%
3 Years +72.13% +65.43% +6.70%
5 Years -43.99% +65.38% -109.37%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period ARKK Fees MGC Fees You Save
$10,000 10 years $1,453 $100 $1,354
$10,000 20 years $6,064 $430 $5,634
$10,000 30 years $18,984 $1,388 $17,595
$50,000 10 years $7,266 $499 $6,768
$50,000 30 years $94,918 $6,941 $87,977
$100,000 30 years $189,836 $13,882 $175,953

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric ARKK MGC
Annualized Volatility 46.4% 17.2%
Max Drawdown -77.3% -26.6%
Sharpe Ratio -0.12 0.41

Dividend Comparison

Metric ARKK MGC
Annual Dividend (per share) $0.00 $2.42
Dividend Yield 0.00% 1.02%
Distribution Frequency None Quarterly

Top Holdings

ARKK Top Holdings

NameWeight
Tesla Inc1088.03%
CRISPR Therapeutics AG548.07%
Roku Inc500.14%
Tempus AI Inc487.20%
Coinbase Global Inc462.29%
Shopify Inc424.50%
Robinhood Markets Inc399.82%
Advanced Micro Devices Inc397.53%
Teradyne Inc357.06%
Beam Therapeutics Inc353.11%

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose MGC if...

you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.

Choose ARKK if...

recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.

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