ARKG vs. XPH

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ARKG (ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF) and XPH (SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds. ARKG is actively managed, while XPH is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ARKG returned 8.67%/yr vs 5.45%/yr for XPH. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ARKG charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XPH.

Performance

ARKG vs. XPH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF (ARKG) and SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ARKG achieves a 24.30% return, which is significantly higher than XPH's 13.09% return. Over the past 10 years, ARKG has outperformed XPH with an annualized return of 8.67%, while XPH has yielded a comparatively lower 5.45% annualized return.

ARKG

• 1D: -1.07%
• 1M: 17.41%
• YTD: 24.30%
• 6M: 19.48%
• 1Y: 52.71%
• 3Y*: 3.17%
• 5Y*: -16.56%
• 10Y*: 8.67%

XPH

• 1D: 1.77%
• 1M: 9.48%
• YTD: 13.09%
• 6M: 12.03%
• 1Y: 55.30%
• 3Y*: 16.62%
• 5Y*: 5.15%
• 10Y*: 5.45%

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

ARKG vs. XPH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ARKG ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF	24.30%	23.04%	-28.24%	16.22%	-53.90%	-33.92%	180.40%	44.00%	-1.26%	46.61%
XPH SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF	13.09%	31.60%	4.94%	2.97%	-9.83%	-10.54%	14.68%	25.61%	-15.32%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKG and XPH is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2014	0.67

The correlation between ARKG and XPH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

ARKG vs. XPH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ARKG	XPH
Healthcare	99.3%	100.0%
Financial Services	0.5%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ARKG vs. XPH — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARKG

ARKG Risk / Return Rank: 36
ARKG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
ARKG Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
ARKG Omega Ratio Rank: 34
ARKG Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
ARKG Martin Ratio Rank: 32

XPH

XPH Risk / Return Rank: 82
XPH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
XPH Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
XPH Omega Ratio Rank: 75
XPH Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
XPH Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

ARKG vs. XPH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF (ARKG) and SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH). 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.

	ARKG	XPH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.25	2.55	-1.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.91	3.43	-1.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.41	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.93	4.64	-2.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.58	16.63	-12.05

ARKG vs. XPH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKG Sharpe Ratio is 1.25, which is lower than the XPH Sharpe Ratio of 2.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKG and XPH, 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

ARKG vs. XPH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKG drawdown since its inception was -83.59%, which is greater than XPH's maximum drawdown of -48.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKG and XPH.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKG	XPH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-83.59%	-48.03%	-35.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.51%	-11.97%	-15.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-51.96%	-23.57%	-28.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-80.18%	-31.63%	-48.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-83.59%	-35.97%	-47.62%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-67.78%	0.00%	-67.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-36.02%	-17.21%	-18.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.53%	3.33%	+8.20%

Volatility

ARKG vs. XPH - Volatility Comparison

ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF (ARKG) has a higher volatility of 15.19% compared to SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH) at 6.27%. This indicates that ARKG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XPH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARKG	XPH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.19%	6.27%	+8.92%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	30.91%	16.67%	+14.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	42.54%	21.77%	+20.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	45.93%	20.92%	+25.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	41.29%	22.09%	+19.20%

ARKG vs. XPH - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKG has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than XPH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKG vs. XPH - Dividend Comparison

ARKG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XPH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.53%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKG ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.62%	0.85%	3.14%	0.82%	1.34%	0.00%	0.00%
XPH SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF	0.53%	0.83%	1.58%	1.28%	1.64%	0.95%	0.47%	0.64%	0.65%	0.67%	0.63%	7.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKG and XPH in my portfolio?

ARKG and XPH have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ARKG or XPH?

ARKG has higher volatility (15.19%) compared to XPH (6.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKG dropped -83.59% vs XPH's -48.03%.

Which ETF is better, ARKG or XPH?

On 10-year performance, ARKG leads with 8.67% vs 5.45% for XPH. On fees, XPH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, XPH has been the lower-risk option at 6.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKG or XPH?

Over the 10-year period, ARKG has performed better with a 8.67% return vs 5.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKG or XPH?

XPH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ARKG or XPH?

XPH has the higher dividend yield at 0.53%, compared with 0.00% for ARKG.

What is the main difference between ARKG and XPH?

They also come from different issuers: ARK and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ARKG and 0.35% for XPH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XPH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.55 vs 1.25), 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.