ARKQ vs. ARKX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

ARKQ (ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF) and ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKQ is a Robotics 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, ARKQ returned 11.51%/yr vs 11.85%/yr for ARKX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.75% expense ratio.

Performance

ARKQ vs. ARKX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) 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, ARKQ achieves a 21.70% return, which is significantly lower than ARKX's 25.47% return.

ARKQ

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: 9.53%
• YTD: 21.70%
• 6M: 21.88%
• 1Y: 73.83%
• 3Y*: 39.06%
• 5Y*: 11.51%
• 10Y*: 22.42%

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)

ARKQ vs. ARKX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ARKQ ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF	21.70%	48.81%	33.88%	40.70%	-46.75%	-5.70%
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	25.47%	48.46%	26.67%	24.37%	-34.27%	-7.14%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKQ and ARKX is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 31, 2021	0.94

The correlation between ARKQ and ARKX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

ARKQ vs. ARKX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ARKQ	ARKX
Industrials	37.1%	55.7%
Technology	32.6%	27.4%
Consumer Cyclical	16.9%	7.8%
Communication Services	8.1%	7.6%
Healthcare	2.2%	1.5%
Energy	1.9%	-
Utilities	1.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

ARKQ vs. ARKX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARKQ

ARKQ Risk / Return Rank: 65
ARKQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
ARKQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
ARKQ Omega Ratio Rank: 58
ARKQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
ARKQ Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

ARKQ vs. ARKX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) 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.

	ARKQ	ARKX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.29	2.21	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	2.81	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.33	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.61	3.52	+0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.92	9.48	+1.43
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ARKQ vs. ARKX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKQ Sharpe Ratio is 2.29, which is comparable to the ARKX Sharpe Ratio of 2.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKQ 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

	ARKQ	ARKX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.29	2.21	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36	0.43	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.66	0.44	+0.23

Drawdowns

ARKQ vs. ARKX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKQ drawdown since its inception was -59.89%, which is greater than ARKX's maximum drawdown of -43.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKQ and ARKX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKQ	ARKX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.89%	-43.61%	-16.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.58%	-20.42%	-0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.76%	-25.47%	-5.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-55.71%	-43.61%	-12.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-59.89%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.98%	-3.66%	+0.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.23%	-19.97%	+2.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.79%	7.57%	-0.78%

Volatility

ARKQ vs. ARKX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) is 10.40%, while ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) has a volatility of 10.97%. This indicates that ARKQ 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

	ARKQ	ARKX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.40%	10.97%	-0.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.44%	25.02%	-0.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.48%	32.49%	-0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.22%	27.72%	+4.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.83%	27.42%	+2.41%

ARKQ vs. ARKX - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

ARKQ vs. ARKX - Dividend Comparison

ARKQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.22%, while ARKX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKQ ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF	0.22%	0.27%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.80%	0.86%	0.00%	2.86%	1.54%	0.00%	0.98%
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 ARKQ and ARKX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, ARKQ and ARKX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, ARKQ or ARKX?

ARKX has higher volatility (10.97%) compared to ARKQ (10.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKQ dropped -59.89% vs ARKX's -43.61%.

Which ETF is better, ARKQ or ARKX?

On 5-year performance, ARKX leads with 11.85% vs 11.51% for ARKQ. Both ETFs have the same 0.75% expense ratio. On volatility, ARKQ has been the lower-risk option at 10.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKQ or ARKX?

Over the 5-year period, ARKX has performed better with a 11.85% return vs 11.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKQ or ARKX?

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

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

ARKQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.22%, compared with 0.00% for ARKX.

What is the main difference between ARKQ and ARKX?

ARKQ is categorized as Robotics, while ARKX is Aerospace & Defense.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 2.21), 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.