ETF Versus

ARKK vs MGK

ARK Innovation ETF vs Vanguard Mega Cap Growth 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
MGK Vanguard

Vanguard Mega Cap Growth Index Fund (MGK) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Vanguard that provides exposure to large-cap U.S. growth stocks with above-average earnings potential. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.07%. The fund offers a modest dividend yield of 0.39%. Launched in 2007, the fund has a 19-year track record.

AUM: $32.5B ER: 0.07% Yield: 0.39% Since: 2007-12-27

Quick Verdict

MGK is significantly cheaper at 0.07% vs 0.75% expense ratio, saving you approximately $1,314 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. Over the past year, ARKK has significantly outperformed with a 38.6% return vs 18.2%.

Key Metrics

Metric ARKK MGK
Expense Ratio 0.75% 0.07%
Dividend Yield N/A 0.4%
Fund Family ARK Vanguard
Category Thematic - Innovation US Large Cap Growth

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

20 56 92 128 164 200 2021-04 2022-06 2023-10 2024-12 2026-04
ARKK -44.0%
MGK +72.8%

Performance Comparison

Period ARKK MGK Difference
1 Month -5.72% -3.80% -1.92%
3 Months -13.00% -9.72% -3.28%
6 Months -25.61% -8.91% -16.70%
YTD -13.00% -9.72% -3.28%
1 Year +38.62% +18.16% +20.46%
3 Years +72.13% +81.45% -9.32%
5 Years -43.99% +72.76% -116.75%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period ARKK Fees MGK Fees You Save
$10,000 10 years $1,453 $140 $1,314
$10,000 20 years $6,064 $600 $5,463
$10,000 30 years $18,984 $1,938 $17,045
$50,000 10 years $7,266 $698 $6,569
$50,000 30 years $94,918 $9,692 $85,226
$100,000 30 years $189,836 $19,383 $170,452

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric ARKK MGK
Annualized Volatility 46.4% 22.6%
Max Drawdown -77.3% -36.4%
Sharpe Ratio -0.12 0.40

Dividend Comparison

Metric ARKK MGK
Annual Dividend (per share) $0.00 $1.43
Dividend Yield 0.00% 0.39%
Distribution Frequency None Quarterly

Top Holdings

1 of top 9 holdings overlap (11% overlap in 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%

MGK Top Holdings

NameWeight
NVIDIA Corp1297.27%
Apple Inc1207.38%
Microsoft Corp1061.93%
Amazon.com Inc457.34%
Tesla Inc446.59%
Meta Platforms Inc445.78%
Alphabet Inc421.92%
Broadcom Inc403.30%
Eli Lilly & Co328.40%

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose MGK 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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