ARKW vs. ITA

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

ARKW (ARK Next Generation Internet ETF) and ITA (iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKW is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by ARK, while ITA is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index. ARKW is actively managed, while ITA is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ARKW returned 22.51%/yr vs 15.34%/yr for ITA. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ARKW charges 0.76%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for ITA.

Performance

ARKW vs. ITA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW) and iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ARKW achieves a -4.37% return, which is significantly lower than ITA's 8.97% return. Over the past 10 years, ARKW has outperformed ITA with an annualized return of 22.51%, while ITA has yielded a comparatively lower 15.34% annualized return.

ARKW

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: -3.08%
• YTD: -4.37%
• 6M: -7.45%
• 1Y: 10.46%
• 3Y*: 36.42%
• 5Y*: 0.46%
• 10Y*: 22.51%

ITA

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: 3.58%
• YTD: 8.97%
• 6M: 11.71%
• 1Y: 30.96%
• 3Y*: 27.30%
• 5Y*: 16.86%
• 10Y*: 15.34%

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

ARKW vs. ITA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ARKW ARK Next Generation Internet ETF	-4.37%	38.93%	42.27%	96.89%	-67.49%	-18.85%	157.44%	35.76%	4.24%	87.29%
ITA iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF	8.97%	48.64%	15.81%	14.33%	9.96%	9.39%	-13.57%	30.51%	-7.22%	35.24%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKW and ITA is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2014	0.47

ARKW vs. ITA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ARKW	ITA
Technology	45.1%	0.1%
Consumer Cyclical	16.3%	-
Communication Services	14.9%	-
Financial Services	14.2%	-
Industrials	1.4%	99.8%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ARKW vs. ITA — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARKW

ARKW Risk / Return Rank: 14
ARKW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
ARKW Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
ARKW Omega Ratio Rank: 15
ARKW Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
ARKW Martin Ratio Rank: 12

ITA

ITA Risk / Return Rank: 44
ITA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
ITA Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
ITA Omega Ratio Rank: 43
ITA Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
ITA Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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. ITA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW) and iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA). 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	ITA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.32	1.43	-1.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.65	2.11	-1.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.25	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.29	1.97	-1.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.59	5.20	-4.62

ARKW vs. ITA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKW Sharpe Ratio is 0.32, which is lower than the ITA Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKW and ITA, 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. ITA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKW drawdown since its inception was -80.52%, which is greater than ITA's maximum drawdown of -59.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKW and ITA.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKW	ITA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-80.52%	-59.72%	-20.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-36.21%	-15.82%	-20.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-36.21%	-15.82%	-20.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-77.36%	-18.72%	-58.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-80.52%	-51.00%	-29.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-23.35%	-6.64%	-16.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.97%	-9.45%	-14.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	17.89%	5.97%	+11.92%

Volatility

ARKW vs. ITA - Volatility Comparison

ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW) has a higher volatility of 10.38% compared to iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) at 9.07%. This indicates that ARKW's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ITA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARKW	ITA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.38%	9.07%	+1.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.57%	18.47%	+6.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.92%	21.74%	+11.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	43.59%	20.21%	+23.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	37.73%	23.22%	+14.51%

ARKW vs. ITA - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKW has a 0.76% expense ratio, which is higher than ITA's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKW vs. ITA - Dividend Comparison

ARKW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.66%, more than ITA's 0.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKW ARK Next Generation Internet ETF	1.66%	1.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.17%	1.29%	0.00%	13.05%	2.05%	0.00%	2.29%
ITA iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.46%	0.55%	0.85%	0.93%	0.95%	0.82%	1.07%	1.54%	1.13%	0.91%	1.07%	1.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKW and ITA in my portfolio?

ARKW and ITA have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ARKW or ITA?

ARKW has higher volatility (10.38%) compared to ITA (9.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKW dropped -80.52% vs ITA's -59.72%.

Which ETF is better, ARKW or ITA?

On 10-year performance, ARKW leads with 22.51% vs 15.34% for ITA. On fees, ITA is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, ITA has been the lower-risk option at 9.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKW or ITA?

Over the 10-year period, ARKW has performed better with a 22.51% return vs 15.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKW or ITA?

ITA is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.76% for ARKW.

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

ARKW has the higher dividend yield at 1.66%, compared with 0.46% for ITA.

What is the main difference between ARKW and ITA?

ARKW is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while ITA is Aerospace & Defense. They also come from different issuers: ARK and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.76% for ARKW and 0.38% for ITA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ITA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.43 vs 0.32), 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.