Cathie Wood's Investment Strategy Exposed: Here's What Her ETFs Are Actually Holding Right Now

When it comes to tech investing in the United States, few names carry as much weight as Cathie Wood. As the head of Ark Invest, she oversees a portfolio empire that spans nine different investment funds—eight of which are structured as exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Given Cathie Wood’s net worth and track record, understanding her investment choices has become essential for anyone looking to gain insight into where the smart money is flowing.

What Makes Ark’s Approach Different?

Unlike passive index funds that simply track a predetermined set of securities, Ark’s strategy relies on active portfolio management. Wood and her team don’t just follow the crowd—they meticulously handpick individual investments based on their conviction that these companies will outperform the broader market. This hands-on approach has allowed Ark’s funds to build a reputation for identifying emerging technology opportunities across multiple sectors: robotics, biotechnology, fintech, and space exploration, among others.

The Six Actively Managed ETFs: A Complete Breakdown

Ark Innovation ETF (ARKK): The Flagship Fund

At the center of Cathie Wood’s investment empire sits the Ark Innovation ETF, with approximately $6.3 billion in assets under administration. Since launching in 2014, this fund has delivered annualized returns around 12%. What sets ARKK apart is its broad mandate—rather than zeroing in on one specific sector, it hunts for the world’s most innovative companies across all technology landscapes. The portfolio currently holds 33 stocks, with Tesla, Coinbase, Roku, Roblox, and Robinhood dominating the top positions.

Fintech Focus: The Ark Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF)

With roughly $1.1 billion in assets, the Ark Fintech Innovation ETF takes a narrower approach by concentrating on financial technology opportunities. The fund’s 36-position portfolio reflects Wood’s conviction that the future of finance lies in digital disruption. Leading holdings include Coinbase, Robinhood, Block, Shopify, and Bitcoin—a mix that demonstrates how Ark views the convergence of traditional fintech and decentralized digital assets.

Life Sciences Play: The Ark Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG)

Also managing approximately $1.1 billion, the Ark Genomic Revolution ETF targets companies positioned to benefit from breakthroughs in genomic science. The 35-stock portfolio includes biotech leaders like Twist Bioscience, Recursion Pharmaceuticals, CRISPR Therapeutics, Adaptive Biotechnologies, and Guardant Health. This fund reflects Wood’s thesis that genetic engineering and personalized medicine represent massive long-term opportunities.

Space Age Ambitions: The Ark Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX)

For investors betting on humanity’s ventures beyond Earth, the Ark Space Exploration & Innovation ETF offers exposure to aerospace and satellite technologies. Managing $287 million across 32 holdings, ARKX maintains concentrated positions in Kratos Defense & Security, Rocket Lab USA, Iridium Communications, Teradyne, and Archer Aviation. It’s one of Ark’s smaller offerings but reflects an increasingly bullish thesis on commercial space activity.

Robotics and Autonomy: The Ark Autonomous Tech & Robotics ETF (ARKQ)

With approximately $950 million under administration, the Ark Autonomous Tech & Robotics ETF functions as Ark’s closest answer to an artificial intelligence-focused investment vehicle. The fund’s 36 stocks concentrate on autonomous vehicles and intelligent devices. Top positions include Tesla, Kratos, Teradyne, Archer Aviation, and Rocket Lab USA—notably, several holdings appear across multiple Ark funds, signaling Wood’s highest conviction ideas.

Digital Infrastructure: The Ark Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW)

As Ark’s second-largest fund with $1.8 billion in assets, the Ark Next Generation Internet ETF casts a wide net across cloud computing, digital wallets, and blockchain technologies. Its 37 holdings reflect a fundamental belief that decentralized systems will reshape digital infrastructure. Bitcoin stands as the single-largest position, followed by Tesla, Roku, Coinbase, and Roblox.

How Cathie Wood Actively Manages These Holdings

A critical distinction between Ark’s ETFs and passive alternatives lies in portfolio turnover. Wood and her investment team continuously evaluate holdings, buying and selling securities with frequency that would make traditional fund managers blush. Daily updates to their holdings demonstrate an active, conviction-driven approach rather than a set-it-and-forget-it mentality.

The Bottom Line

Cathie Wood’s influence on technology investing remains undeniable. Whether through her $6.3 billion flagship Innovation ETF or more specialized vehicles targeting genomics and space exploration, her portfolio selections offer valuable insights into where she believes innovation—and returns—are heading. That said, past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, and Ark’s aggressive positioning in emerging technologies carries inherent volatility and risk that investors should carefully evaluate before committing capital.