ARKW vs. ARKF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ARKW (ARK Next Generation Internet ETF) and ARKF (ARK Fintech Innovation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKW is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by ARK, while ARKF is a Blockchain fund actively managed by ARK. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, ARKW returned 1.89%/yr vs -4.19%/yr for ARKF. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ARKW charges 0.76%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKF.

Performance

ARKW vs. ARKF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW) and ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ARKW achieves a -0.79% return, which is significantly higher than ARKF's -16.17% return.

ARKW

• 1D: -2.98%
• 1M: 2.53%
• YTD: -0.79%
• 6M: -3.36%
• 1Y: 19.55%
• 3Y*: 40.12%
• 5Y*: 1.89%
• 10Y*: 22.99%

ARKF

• 1D: -3.76%
• 1M: -7.12%
• YTD: -16.17%
• 6M: -20.39%
• 1Y: -4.73%
• 3Y*: 26.10%
• 5Y*: -4.19%
• 10Y*: —

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

ARKW vs. ARKF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
ARKW ARK Next Generation Internet ETF	-0.79%	38.93%	42.27%	96.89%	-67.49%	-18.85%	157.44%	14.49%
ARKF ARK Fintech Innovation ETF	-16.17%	28.67%	34.34%	93.27%	-65.07%	-17.82%	108.03%	19.04%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKW and ARKF 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	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 5, 2019	0.96

The correlation between ARKW and ARKF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

ARKW vs. ARKF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ARKW	ARKF
Technology	44.2%	42.7%
Consumer Cyclical	16.3%	16.4%
Communication Services	15.0%	12.2%
Financial Services	14.2%	28.5%
Industrials	1.7%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	0.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ARKW vs. ARKF — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARKW

ARKW Risk / Return Rank: 17
ARKW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
ARKW Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
ARKW Omega Ratio Rank: 19
ARKW Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
ARKW Martin Ratio Rank: 14

ARKF

ARKF Risk / Return Rank: 7
ARKF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
ARKF Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
ARKF Omega Ratio Rank: 7
ARKF Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
ARKF Martin Ratio Rank: 8

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.

ARKW vs. ARKF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW) and ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF). 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.

	ARKW	ARKF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.60	-0.14	+0.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.01	0.03	+0.98
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.00	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.54	-0.12	+0.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.12	-0.23	+1.35
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ARKW vs. ARKF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKW Sharpe Ratio is 0.60, which is higher than the ARKF Sharpe Ratio of -0.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKW and ARKF, 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

	ARKW	ARKF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.60	-0.14	+0.74
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.04	-0.10	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.58	0.25	+0.33

Drawdowns

ARKW vs. ARKF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKW drawdown since its inception was -80.52%, roughly equal to the maximum ARKF drawdown of -78.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKW and ARKF.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKW	ARKF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-80.52%	-78.63%	-1.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-36.21%	-38.50%	+2.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-36.21%	-38.50%	+2.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-77.36%	-75.30%	-2.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-80.52%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-20.48%	-37.16%	+16.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.98%	-34.96%	+10.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	17.52%	20.22%	-2.70%

Volatility

ARKW vs. ARKF - Volatility Comparison

ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW) and ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF) have volatilities of 7.95% and 8.36%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARKW	ARKF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.95%	8.36%	-0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.54%	24.47%	-0.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.93%	33.66%	-0.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	43.49%	42.79%	+0.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	37.69%	39.77%	-2.08%

ARKW vs. ARKF - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKW has a 0.76% expense ratio, which is higher than ARKF's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKW vs. ARKF - Dividend Comparison

ARKW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.60%, more than ARKF's 0.11% 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%
ARKW ARK Next Generation Internet ETF	1.60%	1.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.17%	1.29%	0.00%	13.05%	2.05%	0.00%	2.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKW and ARKF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, ARKW and ARKF 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, ARKW or ARKF?

ARKF has higher volatility (8.36%) compared to ARKW (7.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKW dropped -80.52% vs ARKF's -78.63%.

Which ETF is better, ARKW or ARKF?

On 5-year performance, ARKW leads with 1.89% vs -4.19% for ARKF. On fees, ARKF is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, ARKW has been the lower-risk option at 7.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKW or ARKF?

Over the 5-year period, ARKW has performed better with a 1.89% return vs -4.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKW or ARKF?

ARKF is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.76% for ARKW.

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

ARKW has the higher dividend yield at 1.60%, compared with 0.11% for ARKF.

What is the main difference between ARKW and ARKF?

ARKW is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while ARKF is Blockchain. Their fees differ too: 0.76% for ARKW and 0.75% for ARKF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.60 vs -0.14), 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.