ARKF vs. XLF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ARKF (ARK Fintech Innovation ETF) and XLF (State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKF is a Blockchain fund actively managed by ARK, while XLF is a Financials Equities fund tracking the Financial Select Sector Index. ARKF is actively managed, while XLF is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ARKF returned -6.28%/yr vs 10.00%/yr for XLF. At a 0.50 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ARKF charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLF.

Performance

ARKF vs. XLF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ARKF achieves a -18.35% return, which is significantly lower than XLF's -0.77% return.

ARKF

• 1D: -1.37%
• 1M: -4.80%
• YTD: -18.35%
• 6M: -20.79%
• 1Y: -19.31%
• 3Y*: 24.85%
• 5Y*: -6.28%
• 10Y*: —

XLF

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 4.10%
• YTD: -0.77%
• 6M: -1.95%
• 1Y: 7.67%
• 3Y*: 19.94%
• 5Y*: 10.00%
• 10Y*: 13.72%

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

ARKF vs. XLF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
ARKF ARK Fintech Innovation ETF	-18.35%	28.67%	34.34%	93.27%	-65.07%	-17.82%	108.03%	20.45%
XLF State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF	-0.77%	14.90%	30.56%	12.03%	-10.59%	34.80%	-1.74%	20.59%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKF and XLF 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	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 4, 2019	0.50

The correlation between ARKF and XLF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.46 to 0.55 - a consistent structural relationship.

ARKF vs. XLF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ARKF	XLF
Technology	39.4%	1.8%
Financial Services	25.5%	98.0%
Consumer Cyclical	13.7%	-
Communication Services	9.6%	-
Healthcare	0.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Industrials	-	0.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ARKF vs. XLF — 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: 4
ARKF Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
ARKF Omega Ratio Rank: 4
ARKF Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
ARKF Martin Ratio Rank: 5

XLF

XLF Risk / Return Rank: 15
XLF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
XLF Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
XLF Omega Ratio Rank: 16
XLF Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
XLF Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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. XLF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF). 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	XLF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.58	0.53	-1.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.63	0.81	-1.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.93	1.10	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.50	0.52	-1.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.90	1.33	-2.22

ARKF vs. XLF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKF Sharpe Ratio is -0.58, which is lower than the XLF Sharpe Ratio of 0.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKF and XLF, 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. XLF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKF drawdown since its inception was -78.63%, roughly equal to the maximum XLF drawdown of -82.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKF and XLF.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKF	XLF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.63%	-82.69%	+4.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-38.50%	-14.79%	-23.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-38.50%	-15.54%	-22.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-75.30%	-25.81%	-49.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-38.80%	-3.64%	-35.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.96%	-19.99%	-14.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	21.58%	5.79%	+15.79%

Volatility

ARKF vs. XLF - Volatility Comparison

ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF) has a higher volatility of 10.86% compared to State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) at 4.12%. This indicates that ARKF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARKF	XLF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.86%	4.12%	+6.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.24%	11.27%	+13.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.47%	14.62%	+18.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	42.93%	18.58%	+24.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	39.75%	22.11%	+17.64%

ARKF vs. XLF - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKF has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than XLF's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKF vs. XLF - Dividend Comparison

ARKF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.11%, less than XLF's 1.50% 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%
XLF State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.50%	1.31%	1.42%	1.71%	2.04%	1.63%	2.03%	1.87%	2.08%	1.48%	21.10%	1.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKF and XLF in my portfolio?

ARKF and XLF 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 XLF?

ARKF has higher volatility (10.86%) compared to XLF (4.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKF dropped -78.63% vs XLF's -82.69%.

Which ETF is better, ARKF or XLF?

On 5-year performance, XLF leads with 10.00% vs -6.28% for ARKF. On fees, XLF is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLF has been the lower-risk option at 4.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKF or XLF?

Over the 5-year period, XLF has performed better with a 10.00% return vs -6.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKF or XLF?

XLF is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKF.

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

XLF has the higher dividend yield at 1.50%, compared with 0.11% for ARKF.

What is the main difference between ARKF and XLF?

ARKF is categorized as Blockchain, while XLF is Financials Equities. They also come from different issuers: ARK and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ARKF and 0.08% for XLF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.53 vs -0.58), 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.