ARKF vs. ARKW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ARKF (ARK Fintech Innovation ETF) and ARKW (ARK Next Generation Internet ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKF is a Blockchain fund actively managed by ARK, while ARKW is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by ARK. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, ARKF returned -4.19%/yr vs 1.89%/yr for ARKW. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ARKF charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.76%/yr for ARKW.

Performance

ARKF vs. ARKW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF) 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, ARKF achieves a -16.17% return, which is significantly lower than ARKW's -0.79% return.

ARKF

• 1D: -3.76%
• 1M: -7.12%
• YTD: -16.17%
• 6M: -20.39%
• 1Y: -4.73%
• 3Y*: 26.10%
• 5Y*: -4.19%
• 10Y*: —

ARKW

• 1D: -2.98%
• 1M: 2.53%
• YTD: -0.79%
• 6M: -3.36%
• 1Y: 19.55%
• 3Y*: 40.12%
• 5Y*: 1.89%
• 10Y*: 22.99%

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

ARKF vs. ARKW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
ARKF ARK Fintech Innovation ETF	-16.17%	28.67%	34.34%	93.27%	-65.07%	-17.82%	108.03%	19.04%
ARKW ARK Next Generation Internet ETF	-0.79%	38.93%	42.27%	96.89%	-67.49%	-18.85%	157.44%	14.49%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKF and ARKW is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 5, 2019	0.96

The correlation between ARKF and ARKW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

ARKF vs. ARKW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ARKF	ARKW
Technology	42.7%	44.2%
Financial Services	28.5%	14.2%
Consumer Cyclical	16.4%	16.3%
Communication Services	12.2%	15.0%
Healthcare	0.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Industrials	-	1.7%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ARKF vs. ARKW — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARKF

ARKF Risk / Return Rank: 7
ARKF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
ARKF Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
ARKF Omega Ratio Rank: 7
ARKF Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
ARKF Martin Ratio Rank: 8

ARKW

ARKW Risk / Return Rank: 17
ARKW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
ARKW Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
ARKW Omega Ratio Rank: 19
ARKW Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
ARKW Martin Ratio Rank: 14

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.

ARKF vs. ARKW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF) 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.

	ARKF	ARKW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.14	0.60	-0.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.03	1.01	-0.98
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.12	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.12	0.54	-0.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.23	1.12	-1.35
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ARKF vs. ARKW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKF Sharpe Ratio is -0.14, which is lower than the ARKW Sharpe Ratio of 0.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKF 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ARKF	ARKW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.14	0.60	-0.74
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.10	0.04	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.61	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.25	0.58	-0.33

Drawdowns

ARKF vs. ARKW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKF drawdown since its inception was -78.63%, roughly equal to the maximum ARKW drawdown of -80.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKF and ARKW.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKF	ARKW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.63%	-80.52%	+1.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-38.50%	-36.21%	-2.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-38.50%	-36.21%	-2.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-75.30%	-77.36%	+2.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-80.52%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-37.16%	-20.48%	-16.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.96%	-23.98%	-10.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	20.22%	17.52%	+2.70%

Volatility

ARKF vs. ARKW - Volatility Comparison

ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF) has a higher volatility of 8.36% compared to ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW) at 7.95%. This indicates that ARKF'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

	ARKF	ARKW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.36%	7.95%	+0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.47%	23.54%	+0.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.66%	32.93%	+0.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	42.79%	43.49%	-0.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	39.77%	37.69%	+2.08%

ARKF vs. ARKW - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKF has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKW's 0.76% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKF vs. ARKW - Dividend Comparison

ARKF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.11%, less than ARKW's 1.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKF ARK Fintech Innovation ETF	0.11%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.37%	1.25%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ARKW ARK Next Generation Internet ETF	1.60%	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 ARKF and ARKW in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, ARKF and ARKW move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, ARKF or ARKW?

ARKF has higher volatility (8.36%) compared to ARKW (7.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKF dropped -78.63% vs ARKW's -80.52%.

Which ETF is better, ARKF or ARKW?

On 5-year performance, ARKW leads with 1.89% vs -4.19% for ARKF. On fees, ARKF is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, ARKW has been the lower-risk option at 7.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKF or ARKW?

Over the 5-year period, ARKW has performed better with a 1.89% return vs -4.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKF or ARKW?

ARKF is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.76% for ARKW.

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

ARKW has the higher dividend yield at 1.60%, compared with 0.11% for ARKF.

What is the main difference between ARKF and ARKW?

ARKF is categorized as Blockchain, while ARKW is Mid Cap Growth Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ARKF and 0.76% for ARKW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.60 vs -0.14), 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.