ARKF vs. SPY

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

ARKF (ARK Fintech Innovation ETF) and SPY (State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKF is a Blockchain fund actively managed by ARK, while SPY is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. ARKF is actively managed, while SPY is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ARKF returned -4.67%/yr vs 13.15%/yr for SPY. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ARKF charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for SPY.

Performance

ARKF vs. SPY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ARKF achieves a -12.60% return, which is significantly lower than SPY's 11.30% return.

ARKF

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: 6.99%
• 6M: -14.94%
• YTD: -12.60%
• 1Y: -18.30%
• 3Y*: 23.44%
• 5Y*: -4.67%
• 10Y*: —

SPY

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: 2.04%
• 6M: 9.35%
• YTD: 11.30%
• 1Y: 22.40%
• 3Y*: 20.99%
• 5Y*: 13.15%
• 10Y*: 15.22%

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

ARKF vs. SPY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
ARKF ARK Fintech Innovation ETF	-12.60%	28.67%	34.34%	93.27%	-65.07%	-17.82%	108.03%	20.45%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	11.30%	17.72%	24.89%	26.18%	-18.18%	28.73%	18.33%	21.44%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKF and SPY is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 4, 2019	0.73

The correlation between ARKF and SPY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

ARKF vs. SPY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ARKF	SPY
Technology	41.7%	39.0%
Financial Services	25.0%	11.1%
Consumer Cyclical	12.8%	9.9%
Communication Services	8.9%	10.6%
Healthcare	0.2%	8.3%
Basic Materials	-	1.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.5%
Energy	-	3.1%
Industrials	-	7.8%
Real Estate	-	1.8%
Utilities	-	2.1%

Return for Risk

ARKF vs. SPY — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARKF

ARKF Risk / Return Rank: 5
ARKF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
ARKF Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
ARKF Omega Ratio Rank: 5
ARKF Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
ARKF Martin Ratio Rank: 5

SPY

SPY Risk / Return Rank: 67
SPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
SPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
SPY Omega Ratio Rank: 67
SPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
SPY Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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. SPY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). 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	SPY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.57	1.76	-2.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.63	2.42	-3.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.93	1.32	-0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.50	2.48	-2.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.85	10.83	-11.68

ARKF vs. SPY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKF Sharpe Ratio is -0.57, which is lower than the SPY Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKF and SPY, 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. SPY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKF drawdown since its inception was -78.63%, which is greater than SPY's maximum drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKF and SPY.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKF	SPY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.63%	-55.19%	-23.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-38.50%	-8.88%	-29.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-38.50%	-18.76%	-19.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-75.30%	-24.50%	-50.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.72%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-34.49%	-0.35%	-34.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.97%	-9.03%	-25.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	22.64%	2.03%	+20.61%

Volatility

ARKF vs. SPY - Volatility Comparison

ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF) has a higher volatility of 9.05% compared to State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) at 4.52%. This indicates that ARKF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARKF	SPY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.05%	4.52%	+4.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.64%	9.98%	+15.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.66%	12.55%	+21.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	42.97%	17.16%	+25.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	39.69%	17.92%	+21.77%

ARKF vs. SPY - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKF has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than SPY's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKF vs. SPY - Dividend Comparison

ARKF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.10%, less than SPY's 1.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKF ARK Fintech Innovation ETF	0.10%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.37%	1.25%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	1.00%	1.07%	1.21%	1.40%	1.65%	1.20%	1.52%	1.75%	2.04%	1.80%	2.03%	2.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKF and SPY in my portfolio?

ARKF and SPY have a correlation of 0.71, 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 SPY?

ARKF has higher volatility (9.05%) compared to SPY (4.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKF dropped -78.63% vs SPY's -55.19%.

Which ETF is better, ARKF or SPY?

On 5-year performance, SPY leads with 13.15% vs -4.67% for ARKF. On fees, SPY is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, SPY has been the lower-risk option at 4.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKF or SPY?

Over the 5-year period, SPY has performed better with a 13.15% return vs -4.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKF or SPY?

SPY is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKF.

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

SPY has the higher dividend yield at 1.00%, compared with 0.10% for ARKF.

What is the main difference between ARKF and SPY?

ARKF is categorized as Blockchain, while SPY is S&P 500. They also come from different issuers: ARK and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ARKF and 0.09% for SPY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.76 vs -0.57), 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.