ARKD vs. ARKX

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

ARKD (ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF) and ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKD is a Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by ARK, while ARKX is a Aerospace & Defense fund actively managed by ARK. Both are actively managed. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ARKD charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKX.

Performance

ARKD vs. ARKX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF (ARKD) and ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ARKD

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 3.05%
• 6M: -1.50%
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ARKX

• 1D: -0.82%
• 1M: -5.12%
• 6M: -4.16%
• YTD: 10.59%
• 1Y: 28.35%
• 3Y*: 28.20%
• 5Y*: 8.93%
• 10Y*: —

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

ARKD vs. ARKX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ARKD ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF	0.21%
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	10.59%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKD and ARKX is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2026	0.78

Return for Risk

ARKD vs. ARKX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARKD

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

ARKX

ARKX Risk / Return Rank: 31
ARKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
ARKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
ARKX Omega Ratio Rank: 28
ARKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
ARKX Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

ARKD vs. ARKX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF (ARKD) and ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX). 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.

	ARKD	ARKX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.88	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.39	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.16	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.47	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	3.58	—

Drawdowns

ARKD vs. ARKX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKD drawdown since its inception was -14.03%, smaller than the maximum ARKX drawdown of -43.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKD and ARKX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKD	ARKX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.03%	-43.61%	+29.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-20.42%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-25.47%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-43.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.08%	-15.08%	+12.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.76%	-19.80%	+14.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	8.38%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ARKD	ARKX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	11.29%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	26.10%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.15%	34.13%	-13.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.15%	28.29%	-8.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.15%	27.75%	-7.60%

ARKD vs. ARKX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKD has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than ARKX's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKD vs. ARKX - Dividend Comparison

Neither ARKD nor ARKX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKD and ARKX in my portfolio?

ARKD and ARKX have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ARKD or ARKX?

On fees, ARKX is cheaper at 0.75% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKD or ARKX?

ARKX is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for ARKD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ARKD or ARKX?

ARKD and ARKX have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between ARKD and ARKX?

ARKD is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while ARKX is Aerospace & Defense. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for ARKD and 0.75% for ARKX.