ARKW vs. ARKK

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

ARKW (ARK Next Generation Internet ETF) and ARKK (ARK Innovation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKW is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by ARK, while ARKK is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by ARK. Both are actively managed. Over the past 10 years, ARKW returned 22.75%/yr vs 16.16%/yr for ARKK. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ARKW charges 0.76%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKK.

Performance

ARKW vs. ARKK - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ARKW achieves a -3.02% return, which is significantly lower than ARKK's 1.96% return. Over the past 10 years, ARKW has outperformed ARKK with an annualized return of 22.75%, while ARKK has yielded a comparatively lower 16.16% annualized return.

ARKW

• 1D: -2.29%
• 1M: -1.38%
• YTD: -3.02%
• 6M: -6.61%
• 1Y: 2.85%
• 3Y*: 37.56%
• 5Y*: -0.42%
• 10Y*: 22.75%

ARKK

• 1D: -2.19%
• 1M: 2.66%
• YTD: 1.96%
• 6M: -3.76%
• 1Y: 15.80%
• 3Y*: 23.35%
• 5Y*: -8.43%
• 10Y*: 16.16%

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

ARKW vs. ARKK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ARKW ARK Next Generation Internet ETF	-3.02%	38.93%	42.27%	96.89%	-67.49%	-18.85%	157.44%	35.76%	4.24%	87.29%
ARKK ARK Innovation ETF	1.96%	35.49%	8.40%	69.04%	-66.97%	-23.60%	152.71%	35.08%	3.52%	87.33%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKW and ARKK is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2014	0.92

The correlation between ARKW and ARKK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

ARKW vs. ARKK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ARKW	ARKK
Technology	44.0%	25.9%
Communication Services	14.6%	10.0%
Consumer Cyclical	14.4%	14.1%
Financial Services	14.1%	16.2%
Industrials	4.9%	5.7%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	28.1%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ARKW vs. ARKK — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARKW

ARKW Risk / Return Rank: 9
ARKW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
ARKW Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
ARKW Omega Ratio Rank: 10
ARKW Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
ARKW Martin Ratio Rank: 9

ARKK

ARKK Risk / Return Rank: 14
ARKK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
ARKK Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
ARKK Omega Ratio Rank: 15
ARKK Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
ARKK Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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. ARKK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	ARKW	ARKK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.09	0.44	-0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.34	0.85	-0.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	1.10	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.08	0.51	-0.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.16	1.09	-0.93

ARKW vs. ARKK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKW Sharpe Ratio is 0.09, which is lower than the ARKK Sharpe Ratio of 0.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKW and ARKK, 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

ARKW vs. ARKK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKW drawdown since its inception was -80.52%, roughly equal to the maximum ARKK drawdown of -80.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKW and ARKK.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKW	ARKK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-80.52%	-80.97%	+0.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-36.21%	-31.35%	-4.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-36.21%	-39.56%	+3.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-77.36%	-77.23%	-0.13%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-80.52%	-80.97%	+0.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.27%	-49.21%	+26.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.97%	-30.19%	+6.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	18.09%	14.53%	+3.56%

Volatility

ARKW vs. ARKK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW) is 10.95%, while ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) has a volatility of 12.34%. This indicates that ARKW experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ARKK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARKW	ARKK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.95%	12.34%	-1.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.71%	26.65%	-1.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.83%	36.20%	-3.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	43.66%	46.46%	-2.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	37.79%	40.41%	-2.62%

ARKW vs. ARKK - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

ARKW vs. ARKK - Dividend Comparison

ARKW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.64%, while ARKK has not 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%
ARKW ARK Next Generation Internet ETF	1.64%	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 ARKK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, ARKW and ARKK 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 ARKK?

ARKK has higher volatility (12.34%) compared to ARKW (10.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKW dropped -80.52% vs ARKK's -80.97%.

Which ETF is better, ARKW or ARKK?

On 10-year performance, ARKW leads with 22.75% vs 16.16% for ARKK. On fees, ARKK is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, ARKW has been the lower-risk option at 10.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKW or ARKK?

Over the 10-year period, ARKW has performed better with a 22.75% return vs 16.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKW or ARKK?

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

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

ARKW has the higher dividend yield at 1.64%, compared with 0.00% for ARKK.

What is the main difference between ARKW and ARKK?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.44 vs 0.09), 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.