Cathie Wood’s Ark Innovation ETF adds SpaceX to its portfolio, targeting early exposure to high-growth tech sectors like AI and space.
Ark Investment Management, led by Cathie Wood, purchased over $529.7 million in SpaceX stock following its recent public debut. The move aligns with Wood’s strategy of investing in newly listed companies in high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and space technology.
Wood’s flagship Ark Innovation ETF (ARKK) outperformed the S&P 500 in 2025 with a 35.49% gain, compared to the index’s 17.88% return. However, year-to-date, ARKK has declined 2.85%, while the S&P 500 rose 8.56%. Historically, the fund delivered a 153% return in 2020 but suffered a 60% drop in 2022, reflecting its volatility.
Over the past five years, ARKK’s annualized return stands at -8.06%, underperforming the S&P 500’s 11.84% gain. Wood remains focused on disruptive innovation, expecting technological advancements to drive long-term growth despite short-term market swings.