ARKX vs. ARKQ

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) and ARKQ (ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKX is a Aerospace & Defense fund actively managed by ARK, while ARKQ is a Robotics fund actively managed by ARK. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, ARKX returned 10.39%/yr vs 9.88%/yr for ARKQ. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.75% expense ratio.

Performance

ARKX vs. ARKQ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ARKX achieves a 17.46% return, which is significantly higher than ARKQ's 13.03% return.

ARKX

• 1D: -6.38%
• 1M: 0.65%
• YTD: 17.46%
• 6M: 19.82%
• 1Y: 62.33%
• 3Y*: 33.13%
• 5Y*: 10.39%
• 10Y*: —

ARKQ

• 1D: -7.12%
• 1M: -3.26%
• YTD: 13.03%
• 6M: 13.39%
• 1Y: 65.90%
• 3Y*: 34.74%
• 5Y*: 9.88%
• 10Y*: 21.47%

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

ARKX vs. ARKQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	17.46%	48.46%	26.67%	24.37%	-34.27%	-7.14%
ARKQ ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF	13.03%	48.81%	33.88%	40.70%	-46.75%	-5.70%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKX and ARKQ 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	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 31, 2021	0.94

The correlation between ARKX and ARKQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

ARKX vs. ARKQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ARKX	ARKQ
Industrials	55.7%	37.1%
Technology	27.4%	32.6%
Consumer Cyclical	7.8%	16.9%
Communication Services	7.6%	8.1%
Healthcare	1.5%	2.2%
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	1.9%
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	1.3%

Return for Risk

ARKX vs. ARKQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARKX

ARKX Risk / Return Rank: 54
ARKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
ARKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
ARKX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
ARKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
ARKX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

ARKQ

ARKQ Risk / Return Rank: 57
ARKQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
ARKQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
ARKQ Omega Ratio Rank: 51
ARKQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
ARKQ Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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. ARKQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) and ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ). 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.

	ARKX	ARKQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.89	2.00	-0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	2.50	-0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.31	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.07	3.22	-0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.23	9.70	-1.47
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ARKX vs. ARKQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKX Sharpe Ratio is 1.89, which is comparable to the ARKQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKX and ARKQ, 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

	ARKX	ARKQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.89	2.00	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.37	0.31	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.72	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.38	0.63	-0.25

Drawdowns

ARKX vs. ARKQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKX drawdown since its inception was -43.61%, smaller than the maximum ARKQ drawdown of -59.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKX and ARKQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKX	ARKQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.61%	-59.89%	+16.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.42%	-20.58%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.47%	-30.76%	+5.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.61%	-55.71%	+12.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-59.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.80%	-9.89%	+0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.97%	-17.23%	-2.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.60%	6.81%	+0.79%

Volatility

ARKX vs. ARKQ - Volatility Comparison

ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) and ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) have volatilities of 12.24% and 11.94%, 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

	ARKX	ARKQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.24%	11.94%	+0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.81%	25.42%	+0.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.16%	33.30%	-0.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.86%	32.37%	-4.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.55%	29.91%	-2.36%

ARKX vs. ARKQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both ARKX and ARKQ have an expense ratio of 0.75%.

Dividends

ARKX vs. ARKQ - Dividend Comparison

ARKX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ARKQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.24%.

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%
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKX and ARKQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, ARKX and ARKQ 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, ARKX or ARKQ?

ARKX has higher volatility (12.24%) compared to ARKQ (11.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKX dropped -43.61% vs ARKQ's -59.89%.

Which ETF is better, ARKX or ARKQ?

On 5-year performance, ARKX leads with 10.39% vs 9.88% for ARKQ. Both ETFs have the same 0.75% expense ratio. On volatility, ARKQ has been the lower-risk option at 11.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKX or ARKQ?

Over the 5-year period, ARKX has performed better with a 10.39% return vs 9.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKX or ARKQ?

ARKX and ARKQ have the same expense ratio: 0.75% per year.

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

ARKQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.24%, compared with 0.00% for ARKX.

What is the main difference between ARKX and ARKQ?

ARKX is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while ARKQ is Robotics.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 1.89), 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.