ARKX vs. ARKD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) and ARKD (ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKX is a Aerospace & Defense fund actively managed by ARK, while ARKD is a Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by ARK. Both are actively managed. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ARKX charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for ARKD.

Performance

ARKX vs. ARKD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) and ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF (ARKD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ARKX

• 1D: -1.68%
• 1M: -7.40%
• YTD: 13.18%
• 6M: 8.86%
• 1Y: 46.62%
• 3Y*: 32.05%
• 5Y*: 9.28%
• 10Y*: —

ARKD

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ARKX vs. ARKD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	13.18%
ARKD ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF	-2.07%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKX and ARKD is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2026	0.79

Return for Risk

ARKX vs. ARKD — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARKX

ARKX Risk / Return Rank: 40
ARKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
ARKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
ARKX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
ARKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
ARKX Martin Ratio Rank: 39

ARKD

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

ARKX vs. ARKD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) and ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF (ARKD). 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.

	ARKX	ARKD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.94	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.29	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.93	—	—

Drawdowns

ARKX vs. ARKD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKX drawdown since its inception was -43.61%, which is greater than ARKD's maximum drawdown of -14.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKX and ARKD.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKX	ARKD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.61%	-14.03%	-29.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.42%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.47%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.09%	-5.29%	-7.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.87%	-6.03%	-13.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.88%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ARKX	ARKD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.12%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.61%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.88%	20.51%	+13.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.15%	20.51%	+7.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.71%	20.51%	+7.20%

ARKX vs. ARKD - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKD's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKX vs. ARKD - Dividend Comparison

Neither ARKX nor ARKD has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKX and ARKD in my portfolio?

ARKX and ARKD have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ARKX or ARKD?

On fees, ARKX is cheaper at 0.75% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKX or ARKD?

ARKX is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for ARKD.

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

ARKX and ARKD have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between ARKX and ARKD?

ARKX is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while ARKD is Cryptocurrency. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ARKX and 0.90% for ARKD.