ARKQ vs PLDR
ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF vs Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF
Which is better, ARKQ or PLDR?
Each has led over a different period.
PLDR has a lower expense ratio. ARKQ led over the full window, PLDR over 1Y.
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 | ARKQ | PLDR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.59%Best |
| AUM | $1.9B | $3M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.25% | 0.35% |
| Holdings | 39 | 56 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.3% | 17.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -55.7% | -29.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,025Best | $15,450 |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Putnam Investments |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2014 | May 25, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 127 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. ARKQ has data through Oct 14, 2026 and PLDR through Jun 9, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: May 26, 2021 to Jun 9, 2026 (5 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.3% compared with 17.1% for PLDR. 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 -55.7% for ARKQ and -29.6% for PLDR. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKQ charges 0.75% per year while PLDR charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $59 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKQ currently yields 0.25% against 0.35% for PLDR.
Holdings Overlap
At least 22.1% of ARKQ's money is in holdings PLDR also owns.
Stated as a floor: for PLDR, our book for it covers 92.9% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
ARKQ and PLDR share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 219 days apart, ARKQ as of Oct 4, 2026 and PLDR as of Feb 27, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
4 positions in common, counted across the 36 positions we hold weights for in ARKQ and 52 in PLDR, against full books of 39 and 56.
22.1% of ARKQ is already inside PLDR.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKQ or PLDR?
ARKQ has an expense ratio of 0.75% while PLDR charges 0.59%. PLDR is the cheaper option, by $16 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, ARKQ or PLDR?
ARKQ has been the more volatile fund at 31.3% annualized versus 17.1% for PLDR. Worst drawdown: ARKQ -55.7% vs PLDR -29.6%.
Should I hold both ARKQ and PLDR?
ARKQ and PLDR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKQ and PLDR?
At least 22.1% of ARKQ's money is in holdings PLDR also owns. Our book for PLDR is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 4 positions in common, counted across the 36 positions we hold weights for in ARKQ and 52 in PLDR.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKQ or PLDR?
ARKQ yields 0.25% while PLDR yields 0.35%, so PLDR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is PLDR better than ARKQ?
PLDR has a lower expense ratio. ARKQ led over the full window, PLDR over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.