ARKQ vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

ARKQ (ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKQ is a Robotics fund actively managed by ARK, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. ARKQ is actively managed, while SHLD is passively managed. Over the past year, ARKQ returned 57.70% vs 8.26% for SHLD. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ARKQ charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

ARKQ vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) and Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ARKQ achieves a 12.86% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -1.50% return.

ARKQ

• 1D: -0.64%
• 1M: -2.01%
• YTD: 12.86%
• 6M: 13.25%
• 1Y: 57.70%
• 3Y*: 32.57%
• 5Y*: 9.89%
• 10Y*: 21.73%

SHLD

• 1D: -2.04%
• 1M: 2.37%
• YTD: -1.50%
• 6M: -1.03%
• 1Y: 8.26%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ARKQ vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ARKQ ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF	12.86%	48.81%	33.88%	5.29%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-1.50%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKQ and SHLD is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.55

The correlation between ARKQ and SHLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.55 (all time) to 0.65 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ARKQ vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ARKQ	SHLD
Industrials	39.0%	87.8%
Technology	34.2%	12.2%
Consumer Cyclical	13.8%	-
Communication Services	9.1%	-
Energy	1.7%	-
Healthcare	1.1%	-
Utilities	1.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

ARKQ vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARKQ

ARKQ Risk / Return Rank: 54
ARKQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
ARKQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
ARKQ Omega Ratio Rank: 48
ARKQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
ARKQ Martin Ratio Rank: 53

SHLD

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

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. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) and Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD). 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.

	ARKQ	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	0.43	+1.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	0.78	+1.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.09	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.70	0.52	+2.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.95	1.28	+6.67

ARKQ vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKQ and SHLD, 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

ARKQ vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKQ drawdown since its inception was -59.89%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKQ and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKQ	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.89%	-20.10%	-39.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.58%	-20.10%	-0.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.76%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-55.71%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-59.89%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.02%	-18.20%	+8.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.22%	-3.34%	-13.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.97%	8.12%	-1.15%

Volatility

ARKQ vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) has a higher volatility of 12.70% compared to Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) at 9.05%. This indicates that ARKQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SHLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARKQ	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.70%	9.05%	+3.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.15%	19.94%	+6.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.54%	24.55%	+8.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.50%	21.29%	+11.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.98%	21.29%	+8.69%

ARKQ vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKQ has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKQ vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

ARKQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.24%, less than SHLD's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKQ ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF	0.24%	0.27%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.80%	0.86%	0.00%	2.86%	1.54%	0.00%	0.98%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.56%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%	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 SHLD in my portfolio?

ARKQ and SHLD have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ARKQ or SHLD?

ARKQ has higher volatility (12.70%) compared to SHLD (9.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKQ dropped -59.89% vs SHLD's -20.10%.

Which ETF is better, ARKQ or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, ARKQ leads with 57.70% vs 8.26% for SHLD. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, SHLD has been the lower-risk option at 9.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKQ or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, ARKQ has performed better with a 57.70% return vs 8.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKQ or SHLD?

SHLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKQ.

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

SHLD has the higher dividend yield at 0.56%, compared with 0.24% for ARKQ.

What is the main difference between ARKQ and SHLD?

ARKQ is categorized as Robotics, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. They also come from different issuers: ARK and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ARKQ and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 vs 0.43), 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.