ARKW vs PLDR
ARK Next Generation Technology ETF vs Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF
Which is better, ARKW or PLDR?
PLDR has been ahead.
PLDR has a lower expense ratio. PLDR 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 | ARKW | PLDR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.59%Best |
| AUM | $2.0B | $3M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.47% | 0.35% |
| Holdings | 88 | 56 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.8% | 17.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -76.8% | -29.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $10,531 | $15,450Best |
| 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 128 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. ARKW has data through Oct 15, 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
ARKW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.8% 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 -76.8% for ARKW 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKW charges 0.76% per year while PLDR charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $59 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKW currently yields 1.47% against 0.35% for PLDR.
Holdings Overlap
At least 23.1% of ARKW'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.
ARKW and PLDR share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 216 days apart, ARKW as of Oct 1, 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.
6 positions in common, counted across the 40 positions we hold weights for in ARKW and 52 in PLDR, against full books of 88 and 56.
23.1% of ARKW 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, ARKW or PLDR?
ARKW has an expense ratio of 0.76% while PLDR charges 0.59%. PLDR is the cheaper option, by $17 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, ARKW or PLDR?
ARKW has been the more volatile fund at 41.8% annualized versus 17.1% for PLDR. Worst drawdown: ARKW -76.8% vs PLDR -29.6%.
Should I hold both ARKW and PLDR?
ARKW and PLDR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, 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 ARKW and PLDR?
At least 23.1% of ARKW's money is in holdings PLDR also owns. Our book for PLDR is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 6 positions in common, counted across the 40 positions we hold weights for in ARKW and 52 in PLDR.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKW or PLDR?
ARKW yields 1.47% while PLDR yields 0.35%, so ARKW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is PLDR better than ARKW?
PLDR has a lower expense ratio. PLDR 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.