ARKF vs. DFEN

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

ARKF (ARK Fintech Innovation ETF) and DFEN (Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKF is a Blockchain fund actively managed by ARK, while DFEN is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300%). ARKF is actively managed, while DFEN is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ARKF returned -5.06%/yr vs 29.22%/yr for DFEN. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ARKF charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for DFEN.

Performance

ARKF vs. DFEN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF) and Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ARKF achieves a -18.31% return, which is significantly lower than DFEN's 13.12% return.

ARKF

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -5.76%
• YTD: -18.31%
• 6M: -21.31%
• 1Y: -11.87%
• 3Y*: 23.97%
• 5Y*: -5.06%
• 10Y*: —

DFEN

• 1D: -2.71%
• 1M: 7.74%
• YTD: 13.12%
• 6M: 20.44%
• 1Y: 76.99%
• 3Y*: 64.38%
• 5Y*: 29.22%
• 10Y*: —

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

ARKF vs. DFEN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
ARKF ARK Fintech Innovation ETF	-18.31%	28.67%	34.34%	93.27%	-65.07%	-17.82%	108.03%	20.45%
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	13.12%	156.62%	27.07%	24.70%	6.99%	12.72%	-70.23%	39.33%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKF and DFEN is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 4, 2019	0.47

ARKF vs. DFEN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ARKF	DFEN
Technology	42.7%	0.0%
Financial Services	28.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	16.4%	-
Communication Services	12.2%	-
Healthcare	0.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Industrials	-	19.7%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ARKF vs. DFEN — 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: 6
ARKF Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
ARKF Omega Ratio Rank: 7
ARKF Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
ARKF Martin Ratio Rank: 7

DFEN

DFEN Risk / Return Rank: 38
DFEN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
DFEN Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
DFEN Omega Ratio Rank: 36
DFEN Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
DFEN Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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. DFEN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF) and Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN). 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.

	ARKF	DFEN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.35	1.18	-1.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.28	1.85	-2.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.97	1.22	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.31	1.85	-2.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.57	4.29	-4.86

ARKF vs. DFEN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKF Sharpe Ratio is -0.35, which is lower than the DFEN Sharpe Ratio of 1.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKF and DFEN, 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

ARKF vs. DFEN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKF drawdown since its inception was -78.63%, smaller than the maximum DFEN drawdown of -91.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKF and DFEN.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKF	DFEN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.63%	-91.36%	+12.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-38.50%	-41.75%	+3.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-38.50%	-43.13%	+4.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-75.30%	-55.30%	-20.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-38.77%	-25.87%	-12.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.95%	-45.20%	+10.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	21.00%	17.99%	+3.01%

Volatility

ARKF vs. DFEN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF) is 10.36%, while Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN) has a volatility of 27.31%. This indicates that ARKF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFEN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARKF	DFEN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.36%	27.31%	-16.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.14%	55.81%	-30.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.69%	65.81%	-32.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	42.87%	60.74%	-17.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	39.77%	71.66%	-31.89%

ARKF vs. DFEN - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKF has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than DFEN's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKF vs. DFEN - Dividend Comparison

ARKF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.11%, less than DFEN's 7.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	7.89%	8.89%	14.12%	1.13%	0.46%	1.89%	0.48%	0.50%	1.07%	1.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKF and DFEN in my portfolio?

ARKF and DFEN have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ARKF or DFEN?

DFEN has higher volatility (27.31%) compared to ARKF (10.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKF dropped -78.63% vs DFEN's -91.36%.

Which ETF is better, ARKF or DFEN?

On 5-year performance, DFEN leads with 29.22% vs -5.06% for ARKF. On fees, ARKF is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, ARKF has been the lower-risk option at 10.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKF or DFEN?

Over the 5-year period, DFEN has performed better with a 29.22% return vs -5.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKF or DFEN?

ARKF is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for DFEN.

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

DFEN has the higher dividend yield at 7.89%, compared with 0.11% for ARKF.

What is the main difference between ARKF and DFEN?

ARKF is categorized as Blockchain, while DFEN is Leveraged Equities. They also come from different issuers: ARK and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ARKF and 0.99% for DFEN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.18 vs -0.35), 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.