ARKK vs SSPX
ARK Innovation ETF vs Janus Henderson US Sustainable Equity ETF
Which is better, ARKK or SSPX?
SSPX has been ahead.
SSPX has a lower expense ratio. SSPX led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKK | SSPX |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.55%Best |
| AUM | $7.9B | $10M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.30% |
| Holdings | 84 | 6 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 45.2% | 18.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -76.1% | -34.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.1 years | $7,585 | $12,842Best |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Janus Henderson Investors |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2014 | Sep 8, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 370 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. ARKK has data through Oct 14, 2026 and SSPX through Oct 9, 2025.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 9, 2021 to Oct 9, 2025 (4.1 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 45.2% compared with 18.9% for SSPX. 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 -76.1% for ARKK and -34.0% for SSPX. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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
ARKK charges 0.75% per year while SSPX charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $55 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKK currently yields 0.00% against 0.30% for SSPX.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of ARKK and SSPX you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKK or SSPX?
ARKK has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SSPX charges 0.55%. SSPX is the cheaper option, by $20 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, ARKK or SSPX?
ARKK has been the more volatile fund at 45.2% annualized versus 18.9% for SSPX. Worst drawdown: ARKK -76.1% vs SSPX -34.0%.
Should I hold both ARKK and SSPX?
ARKK and SSPX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKK or SSPX?
ARKK yields 0.00% while SSPX yields 0.30%, so SSPX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SSPX better than ARKK?
SSPX has a lower expense ratio. SSPX led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.