ARKX vs. ARKW

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) and ARKW (ARK Next Generation Internet ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKX is a Aerospace & Defense fund actively managed by ARK, while ARKW is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by ARK. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, ARKX returned 9.28%/yr vs -1.21%/yr for ARKW. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ARKX charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.76%/yr for ARKW.

Performance

ARKX vs. ARKW - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ARKX achieves a 13.18% return, which is significantly higher than ARKW's -4.76% return.

ARKX

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

ARKW

• 1D: -1.79%
• 1M: -3.15%
• YTD: -4.76%
• 6M: -7.39%
• 1Y: -0.64%
• 3Y*: 36.73%
• 5Y*: -1.21%
• 10Y*: 22.53%

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

ARKX vs. ARKW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	13.18%	48.46%	26.67%	24.37%	-34.27%	-8.05%
ARKW ARK Next Generation Internet ETF	-4.76%	38.93%	42.27%	96.89%	-67.49%	-14.85%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKX and ARKW is 0.70, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 30, 2021	0.77

The correlation between ARKX and ARKW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

ARKX vs. ARKW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ARKX	ARKW
Industrials	56.2%	4.9%
Technology	27.0%	44.0%
Communication Services	7.6%	14.6%
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	14.4%
Healthcare	1.7%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	14.1%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ARKX vs. ARKW — 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

ARKW

ARKW Risk / Return Rank: 9
ARKW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
ARKW Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
ARKW Omega Ratio Rank: 9
ARKW Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
ARKW 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.

ARKX vs. ARKW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) and ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW). 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	ARKW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	-0.02	+1.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.94	0.20	+1.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.02	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.29	-0.02	+2.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.93	-0.04	+5.97

ARKX vs. ARKW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKX Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is higher than the ARKW Sharpe Ratio of -0.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKX and ARKW, 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

ARKX vs. ARKW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKX drawdown since its inception was -43.61%, smaller than the maximum ARKW drawdown of -80.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKX and ARKW.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKX	ARKW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.61%	-80.52%	+36.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.42%	-36.21%	+15.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.47%	-36.21%	+10.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.61%	-77.36%	+33.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-80.52%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.09%	-23.67%	+10.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.87%	-23.97%	+4.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.88%	18.14%	-10.26%

Volatility

ARKX vs. ARKW - Volatility Comparison

ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) has a higher volatility of 13.12% compared to ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW) at 11.08%. This indicates that ARKX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ARKW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARKX	ARKW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.12%	11.08%	+2.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.61%	24.74%	+1.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.88%	32.81%	+1.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.15%	43.66%	-15.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.71%	37.78%	-10.07%

ARKX vs. ARKW - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKW's 0.76% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKX vs. ARKW - Dividend Comparison

ARKX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ARKW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.67%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKW ARK Next Generation Internet ETF	1.67%	1.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.17%	1.29%	0.00%	13.05%	2.05%	0.00%	2.29%
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 ARKW in my portfolio?

ARKX and ARKW have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ARKX or ARKW?

ARKX has higher volatility (13.12%) compared to ARKW (11.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKX dropped -43.61% vs ARKW's -80.52%.

Which ETF is better, ARKX or ARKW?

On 5-year performance, ARKX leads with 9.28% vs -1.21% for ARKW. On fees, ARKX is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, ARKW has been the lower-risk option at 11.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKX or ARKW?

Over the 5-year period, ARKX has performed better with a 9.28% return vs -1.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKX or ARKW?

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

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

ARKW has the higher dividend yield at 1.67%, compared with 0.00% for ARKX.

What is the main difference between ARKX and ARKW?

ARKX is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while ARKW is Mid Cap Growth Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ARKX and 0.76% for ARKW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.38 vs -0.02), 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.