ARKD vs. BTC

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

ARKD (ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF) and BTC (Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ARKD charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for BTC.

Performance

ARKD vs. BTC - 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 Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (BTC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ARKD

• 1D: 1.76%
• 1M: 2.65%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BTC

• 1D: -2.80%
• 1M: -22.20%
• YTD: -27.45%
• 6M: -31.41%
• 1Y: -39.58%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ARKD vs. BTC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ARKD ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF	-0.32%
BTC Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF	-29.29%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKD and BTC is 0.62, 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 5, 2026	0.62

Return for Risk

ARKD vs. BTC — Risk / Return Rank

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

BTC

BTC Risk / Return Rank: 2
BTC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
BTC Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
BTC Omega Ratio Rank: 2
BTC Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
BTC Martin Ratio Rank: 2

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. BTC - 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 Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (BTC). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ARKD	BTC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	-0.91	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.04	-0.03	0.00

Drawdowns

ARKD vs. BTC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKD drawdown since its inception was -14.03%, smaller than the maximum BTC drawdown of -49.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKD and BTC.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKD	BTC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.03%	-49.43%	+35.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-49.43%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.83%	-49.43%	+46.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.18%	-16.68%	+10.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	28.55%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ARKD	BTC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	9.06%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	33.91%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.90%	43.72%	-23.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.90%	48.29%	-28.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.90%	48.29%	-28.39%

ARKD vs. BTC - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKD has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than BTC's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKD vs. BTC - Dividend Comparison

Neither ARKD nor BTC has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKD and BTC in my portfolio?

ARKD and BTC have a correlation of 0.62, 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 BTC?

On fees, BTC is cheaper at 0.15% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKD or BTC?

BTC is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for ARKD.

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

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

What is the main difference between ARKD and BTC?

They also come from different issuers: ARK and Grayscale. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for ARKD and 0.15% for BTC.