ARKD vs. MDST

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ARKD (ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF) and MDST (Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKD is a Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by ARK, while MDST is a Energy Equities fund actively managed by Westwood. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.22, they often move in opposite directions. ARKD charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for MDST.

Performance

ARKD vs. MDST - 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 Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ARKD

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MDST

• 1D: 1.73%
• 1M: -1.91%
• YTD: 16.53%
• 6M: 16.66%
• 1Y: 20.94%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ARKD vs. MDST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ARKD ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF	-2.07%
MDST Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF	16.53%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKD and MDST is -0.22, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2026	-0.22

Return for Risk

ARKD vs. MDST — 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.

MDST

MDST Risk / Return Rank: 55
MDST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
MDST Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
MDST Omega Ratio Rank: 52
MDST Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
MDST Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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. MDST - 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 Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST). 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	MDST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.69	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.42	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.30	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.12	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	8.43	—

Drawdowns

ARKD vs. MDST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKD drawdown since its inception was -14.03%, roughly equal to the maximum MDST drawdown of -14.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKD and MDST.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKD	MDST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.03%	-14.19%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.74%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.29%	-2.20%	-3.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.03%	-2.20%	-3.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.49%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ARKD	MDST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.87%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	8.71%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.51%	12.45%	+8.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.51%	16.11%	+4.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.51%	16.11%	+4.40%

ARKD vs. MDST - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKD has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than MDST's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKD vs. MDST - Dividend Comparison

ARKD has not paid dividends to shareholders, while MDST's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.20%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
ARKD ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MDST Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF	9.20%	10.22%	6.60%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKD and MDST in my portfolio?

ARKD and MDST have a correlation of -0.22, 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 MDST?

On fees, MDST is cheaper at 0.80% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKD or MDST?

MDST is cheaper with a 0.80% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for ARKD.

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

MDST has the higher dividend yield at 9.20%, compared with 0.00% for ARKD.

What is the main difference between ARKD and MDST?

ARKD is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while MDST is Energy Equities. They also come from different issuers: ARK and Westwood. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for ARKD and 0.80% for MDST.