ARKX vs. HYDR

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) and HYDR (Global X Hydrogen ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKX is a Aerospace & Defense fund actively managed by ARK, while HYDR is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Solactive Global Hydrogen Index - Benchmark TR Net. ARKX is actively managed, while HYDR is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, ARKX returned 30.83%/yr vs 6.18%/yr for HYDR. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ARKX charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for HYDR.

Performance

ARKX vs. HYDR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ARKX achieves a 10.14% return, which is significantly lower than HYDR's 59.23% return.

ARKX

• 1D: -0.81%
• 1M: -12.09%
• YTD: 10.14%
• 6M: 6.26%
• 1Y: 40.43%
• 3Y*: 30.83%
• 5Y*: 8.59%
• 10Y*: —

HYDR

• 1D: -2.65%
• 1M: -30.78%
• YTD: 59.23%
• 6M: 52.57%
• 1Y: 140.67%
• 3Y*: 6.18%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ARKX vs. HYDR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	10.14%	48.46%	26.67%	24.37%	-34.27%	-8.94%
HYDR Global X Hydrogen ETF	59.23%	43.73%	-33.08%	-36.49%	-47.24%	-15.79%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKX and HYDR is 0.61, 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	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2021	0.67

The correlation between ARKX and HYDR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.67 - a consistent structural relationship.

ARKX vs. HYDR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ARKX	HYDR
Industrials	56.2%	81.1%
Technology	27.0%	0.7%
Communication Services	7.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	5.7%
Healthcare	1.7%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	4.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	1.2%
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ARKX vs. HYDR — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARKX

ARKX Risk / Return Rank: 38
ARKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
ARKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
ARKX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
ARKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
ARKX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

HYDR

HYDR Risk / Return Rank: 79
HYDR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
HYDR Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
HYDR Omega Ratio Rank: 72
HYDR Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
HYDR Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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. HYDR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) and Global X Hydrogen ETF (HYDR). 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	HYDR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	2.55	-1.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.75	3.08	-1.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.37	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.99	4.57	-2.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.07	10.11	-5.04

ARKX vs. HYDR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKX Sharpe Ratio is 1.20, which is lower than the HYDR Sharpe Ratio of 2.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKX and HYDR, 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. HYDR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKX drawdown since its inception was -43.61%, smaller than the maximum HYDR drawdown of -89.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKX and HYDR.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKX	HYDR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.61%	-89.28%	+45.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.42%	-30.99%	+10.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.47%	-70.32%	+44.85%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.42%	-63.44%	+48.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.86%	-64.12%	+44.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.99%	13.97%	-5.98%

Volatility

ARKX vs. HYDR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) is 12.46%, while Global X Hydrogen ETF (HYDR) has a volatility of 16.94%. This indicates that ARKX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HYDR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARKX	HYDR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.46%	16.94%	-4.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.17%	38.70%	-12.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.92%	55.54%	-21.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.16%	47.51%	-19.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.70%	47.51%	-19.81%

ARKX vs. HYDR - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than HYDR's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKX vs. HYDR - Dividend Comparison

ARKX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while HYDR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.40%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
HYDR Global X Hydrogen ETF	2.40%	3.82%	0.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKX and HYDR in my portfolio?

ARKX and HYDR have a correlation of 0.61, 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 HYDR?

HYDR has higher volatility (16.94%) compared to ARKX (12.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKX dropped -43.61% vs HYDR's -89.28%.

Which ETF is better, ARKX or HYDR?

On 3-year performance, ARKX leads with 30.83% vs 6.18% for HYDR. On fees, HYDR is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, ARKX has been the lower-risk option at 12.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKX or HYDR?

Over the 3-year period, ARKX has performed better with a 30.83% return vs 6.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKX or HYDR?

HYDR is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKX.

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

HYDR has the higher dividend yield at 2.40%, compared with 0.00% for ARKX.

What is the main difference between ARKX and HYDR?

ARKX is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while HYDR is Alternative Energy Equities. They also come from different issuers: ARK and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ARKX and 0.50% for HYDR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HYDR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.55 vs 1.20), 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.