ARKX vs. IGM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) and IGM (iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKX is a Aerospace & Defense fund actively managed by ARK, while IGM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P North American Expanded Technology Sector Index. ARKX is actively managed, while IGM is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ARKX returned 10.38%/yr vs 20.09%/yr for IGM. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ARKX charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for IGM.

Performance

ARKX vs. IGM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ARKX achieves a 16.56% return, which is significantly lower than IGM's 23.42% return.

ARKX

• 1D: -1.94%
• 1M: -2.96%
• YTD: 16.56%
• 6M: 17.78%
• 1Y: 52.99%
• 3Y*: 31.55%
• 5Y*: 10.38%
• 10Y*: —

IGM

• 1D: 0.69%
• 1M: 3.04%
• YTD: 23.42%
• 6M: 23.24%
• 1Y: 48.57%
• 3Y*: 35.37%
• 5Y*: 20.09%
• 10Y*: 24.57%

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

ARKX vs. IGM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	16.56%	48.46%	26.67%	24.37%	-34.27%	-8.05%
IGM iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF	23.42%	26.76%	36.99%	60.68%	-35.83%	23.11%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKX and IGM is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 30, 2021	0.74

The correlation between ARKX and IGM shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.74 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ARKX vs. IGM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ARKX	IGM
Industrials	55.7%	0.2%
Technology	27.4%	82.8%
Consumer Cyclical	7.8%	0.1%
Communication Services	7.6%	16.8%
Healthcare	1.5%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.1%
Financial Services	-	0.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ARKX vs. IGM — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARKX

ARKX Risk / Return Rank: 51
ARKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
ARKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
ARKX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
ARKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
ARKX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

IGM

IGM Risk / Return Rank: 71
IGM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
IGM Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
IGM Omega Ratio Rank: 73
IGM Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
IGM Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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. IGM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) and iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM). 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	IGM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	2.22	-0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.15	2.78	-0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.37	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.61	2.97	-0.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.87	10.06	-3.19

ARKX vs. IGM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKX Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is comparable to the IGM Sharpe Ratio of 2.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKX and IGM, 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. IGM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKX drawdown since its inception was -43.61%, smaller than the maximum IGM drawdown of -65.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKX and IGM.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKX	IGM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.61%	-65.59%	+21.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.42%	-16.44%	-3.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.47%	-26.39%	+0.92%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.61%	-40.68%	-2.93%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-40.68%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.49%	-6.80%	-3.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.92%	-15.22%	-4.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.74%	4.84%	+2.90%

Volatility

ARKX vs. IGM - Volatility Comparison

ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) has a higher volatility of 12.77% compared to iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) at 10.03%. This indicates that ARKX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IGM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARKX	IGM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.77%	10.03%	+2.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.51%	18.11%	+8.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.50%	21.98%	+11.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.02%	25.91%	+2.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.65%	24.66%	+2.99%

ARKX vs. IGM - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than IGM's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKX vs. IGM - Dividend Comparison

ARKX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IGM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
IGM iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF	0.13%	0.17%	0.22%	0.33%	0.66%	0.16%	0.32%	0.50%	0.57%	0.57%	0.90%	0.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKX and IGM in my portfolio?

ARKX and IGM have a correlation of 0.62, 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 IGM?

ARKX has higher volatility (12.77%) compared to IGM (10.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKX dropped -43.61% vs IGM's -65.59%.

Which ETF is better, ARKX or IGM?

On 5-year performance, IGM leads with 20.09% vs 10.38% for ARKX. On fees, IGM is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, IGM has been the lower-risk option at 10.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKX or IGM?

Over the 5-year period, IGM has performed better with a 20.09% return vs 10.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKX or IGM?

IGM is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKX.

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

IGM has the higher dividend yield at 0.13%, compared with 0.00% for ARKX.

What is the main difference between ARKX and IGM?

ARKX is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while IGM is Technology Equities. They also come from different issuers: ARK and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ARKX and 0.39% for IGM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IGM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs 1.59), 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.