ARKK vs. ARKX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

ARKK (ARK Innovation ETF) and ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKK is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by ARK, while ARKX is a Aerospace & Defense fund actively managed by ARK. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, ARKK returned -5.81%/yr vs 11.85%/yr for ARKX. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.75% expense ratio.

Performance

ARKK vs. ARKX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) and ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ARKK achieves a 4.10% return, which is significantly lower than ARKX's 25.47% return.

ARKK

• 1D: 2.44%
• 1M: 4.56%
• YTD: 4.10%
• 6M: -3.12%
• 1Y: 38.10%
• 3Y*: 24.28%
• 5Y*: -5.81%
• 10Y*: 15.82%

ARKX

• 1D: 1.45%
• 1M: 12.71%
• YTD: 25.47%
• 6M: 27.09%
• 1Y: 71.59%
• 3Y*: 37.08%
• 5Y*: 11.85%
• 10Y*: —

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

ARKK vs. ARKX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ARKK ARK Innovation ETF	4.10%	35.49%	8.40%	69.04%	-66.97%	-16.87%
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	25.47%	48.46%	26.67%	24.37%	-34.27%	-7.14%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKK and ARKX is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 31, 2021	0.79

The correlation between ARKK and ARKX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

ARKK vs. ARKX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ARKK	ARKX
Healthcare	27.4%	1.5%
Technology	26.4%	27.4%
Financial Services	15.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	13.7%	7.8%
Communication Services	10.9%	7.6%
Industrials	6.3%	55.7%
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ARKK vs. ARKX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARKK

ARKK Risk / Return Rank: 28
ARKK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
ARKK Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
ARKK Omega Ratio Rank: 28
ARKK Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
ARKK Martin Ratio Rank: 22

ARKX

ARKX Risk / Return Rank: 62
ARKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
ARKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
ARKX Omega Ratio Rank: 55
ARKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
ARKX Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

ARKK vs. ARKX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) and ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX). 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.

	ARKK	ARKX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.05	2.21	-1.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.61	2.81	-1.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.33	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.22	3.52	-2.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.71	9.48	-6.77
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ARKK vs. ARKX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKK Sharpe Ratio is 1.05, which is lower than the ARKX Sharpe Ratio of 2.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKK and ARKX, 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

	ARKK	ARKX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.05	2.21	-1.16
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.13	0.43	-0.56
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.39	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	0.44	-0.08

Drawdowns

ARKK vs. ARKX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKK drawdown since its inception was -80.97%, which is greater than ARKX's maximum drawdown of -43.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKK and ARKX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKK	ARKX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-80.97%	-43.61%	-37.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-31.35%	-20.42%	-10.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-39.56%	-25.47%	-14.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-77.23%	-43.61%	-33.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-80.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-48.15%	-3.66%	-44.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-30.13%	-19.97%	-10.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.09%	7.57%	+6.52%

Volatility

ARKK vs. ARKX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) is 9.47%, while ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) has a volatility of 10.97%. This indicates that ARKK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ARKX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARKK	ARKX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.47%	10.97%	-1.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.18%	25.02%	+0.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	36.42%	32.49%	+3.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	46.29%	27.72%	+18.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	40.26%	27.42%	+12.84%

ARKK vs. ARKX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both ARKK and ARKX have an expense ratio of 0.75%.

Dividends

ARKK vs. ARKX - Dividend Comparison

Neither ARKK nor ARKX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKK ARK Innovation ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.70%	0.00%	0.55%	1.64%	0.38%	3.14%	1.32%	0.00%	2.27%
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKK and ARKX in my portfolio?

ARKK and ARKX have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ARKK or ARKX?

ARKX has higher volatility (10.97%) compared to ARKK (9.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKK dropped -80.97% vs ARKX's -43.61%.

Which ETF is better, ARKK or ARKX?

On 5-year performance, ARKX leads with 11.85% vs -5.81% for ARKK. Both ETFs have the same 0.75% expense ratio. On volatility, ARKK has been the lower-risk option at 9.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKK or ARKX?

Over the 5-year period, ARKX has performed better with a 11.85% return vs -5.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKK or ARKX?

ARKK and ARKX have the same expense ratio: 0.75% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ARKK or ARKX?

ARKK and ARKX have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between ARKK and ARKX?

ARKK is categorized as Technology Equities, while ARKX is Aerospace & Defense.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 1.05), 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.