ALAI vs. ARKW

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

ALAI (Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF) and ARKW (ARK Next Generation Internet ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ALAI is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by Alger, while ARKW is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by ARK. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, ALAI returned 45.29% vs -1.17% for ARKW. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ALAI charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.76%/yr for ARKW.

Performance

ALAI vs. ARKW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF (ALAI) and ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ALAI achieves a 22.29% return, which is significantly higher than ARKW's 0.47% return.

ALAI

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 1.80%
• 6M: 18.33%
• YTD: 22.29%
• 1Y: 45.29%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ARKW

• 1D: 1.67%
• 1M: 5.05%
• 6M: -2.62%
• YTD: 0.47%
• 1Y: -1.17%
• 3Y*: 32.28%
• 5Y*: 1.38%
• 10Y*: 22.38%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ALAI vs. ARKW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ALAI Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF	22.29%	39.81%	32.38%
ARKW ARK Next Generation Internet ETF	0.47%	38.93%	35.67%

Correlation

The correlation between ALAI and ARKW is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 5, 2024	0.79

The correlation between ALAI and ARKW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

ALAI vs. ARKW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ALAI	ARKW
Technology	54.7%	48.0%
Communication Services	21.1%	11.8%
Consumer Cyclical	12.7%	14.5%
Financial Services	4.0%	13.6%
Utilities	2.8%	-
Industrials	2.2%	4.5%
Healthcare	2.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.5%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

ALAI vs. ARKW — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

ALAI

ALAI Risk / Return Rank: 59
ALAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
ALAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
ALAI Omega Ratio Rank: 58
ALAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
ALAI Martin Ratio Rank: 53

ARKW

ARKW Risk / Return Rank: 9
ARKW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
ARKW Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
ARKW Omega Ratio Rank: 9
ARKW Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
ARKW Martin Ratio Rank: 9

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ALAI vs. ARKW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF (ALAI) and ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	ALAI	ARKW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	-0.04	+1.76
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	0.18	+2.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.02	+0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	-0.03	+2.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.22	-0.06	+7.28

ALAI vs. ARKW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ALAI Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is higher than the ARKW Sharpe Ratio of -0.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ALAI and ARKW, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

ALAI vs. ARKW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ALAI drawdown since its inception was -29.36%, smaller than the maximum ARKW drawdown of -80.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ALAI and ARKW.

Drawdown Indicators

	ALAI	ARKW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.36%	-80.52%	+51.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.48%	-36.21%	+16.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-36.21%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-77.36%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-80.52%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.54%	-19.48%	+13.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.11%	-23.95%	+18.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.29%	18.70%	-12.41%

Volatility

ALAI vs. ARKW - Volatility Comparison

Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF (ALAI) has a higher volatility of 10.17% compared to ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW) at 9.52%. This indicates that ALAI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ARKW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ALAI	ARKW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.17%	9.52%	+0.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.27%	25.43%	-4.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.44%	33.23%	-6.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.86%	43.71%	-14.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.86%	37.78%	-8.92%

ALAI vs. ARKW - Expense Ratio Comparison

ALAI has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKW's 0.76% expense ratio.

Dividends

ALAI vs. ARKW - Dividend Comparison

ALAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.23%, less than ARKW's 1.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ALAI Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF	1.23%	1.50%	0.66%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ARKW ARK Next Generation Internet ETF	1.58%	1.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.17%	1.29%	0.00%	13.05%	2.05%	0.00%	2.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ALAI and ARKW in my portfolio?

ALAI and ARKW have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ALAI or ARKW?

ALAI has higher volatility (10.17%) compared to ARKW (9.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ALAI dropped -29.36% vs ARKW's -80.52%.

Which ETF is better, ALAI or ARKW?

On 1-year performance, ALAI leads with 45.29% vs -1.17% for ARKW. On fees, ALAI is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, ARKW has been the lower-risk option at 9.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ALAI or ARKW?

Over the 1-year period, ALAI has performed better with a 45.29% return vs -1.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ALAI or ARKW?

ALAI is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.76% for ARKW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ALAI or ARKW?

ARKW has the higher dividend yield at 1.58%, compared with 1.23% for ALAI.

What is the main difference between ALAI and ARKW?

ALAI is categorized as Technology Equities, while ARKW is Mid Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: Alger and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for ALAI and 0.76% for ARKW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ALAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs -0.04), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.