ARKX vs. QTUM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) and QTUM (Defiance Quantum ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKX is a Aerospace & Defense fund actively managed by ARK, while QTUM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the BlueStar Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Index. ARKX is actively managed, while QTUM is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ARKX returned 10.38%/yr vs 28.09%/yr for QTUM. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ARKX charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for QTUM.

Performance

ARKX vs. QTUM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) and Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM). 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 QTUM's 47.39% return.

ARKX

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

QTUM

• 1D: 1.22%
• 1M: 9.88%
• YTD: 47.39%
• 6M: 45.72%
• 1Y: 82.93%
• 3Y*: 48.15%
• 5Y*: 28.09%
• 10Y*: —

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

ARKX vs. QTUM - 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%
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	47.39%	36.65%	50.54%	39.86%	-28.80%	21.17%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKX and QTUM is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 30, 2021	0.79

The correlation between ARKX and QTUM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

ARKX vs. QTUM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ARKX	QTUM
Industrials	55.7%	8.7%
Technology	27.4%	85.1%
Consumer Cyclical	7.8%	0.7%
Communication Services	7.6%	4.9%
Healthcare	1.5%	0.6%
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ARKX vs. QTUM — 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

QTUM

QTUM Risk / Return Rank: 90
QTUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
QTUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
QTUM Omega Ratio Rank: 87
QTUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
QTUM Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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. QTUM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) and Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM). 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	QTUM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	2.94	-1.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.15	3.45	-1.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.46	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.61	5.46	-2.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.87	19.77	-12.90

ARKX vs. QTUM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKX Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is lower than the QTUM Sharpe Ratio of 2.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKX and QTUM, 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. QTUM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKX drawdown since its inception was -43.61%, which is greater than QTUM's maximum drawdown of -38.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKX and QTUM.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKX	QTUM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.61%	-38.45%	-5.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.42%	-15.26%	-5.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.47%	-25.39%	-0.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.61%	-38.45%	-5.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.49%	-4.42%	-6.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.92%	-8.24%	-11.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.74%	4.21%	+3.53%

Volatility

ARKX vs. QTUM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) is 12.77%, while Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) has a volatility of 14.18%. This indicates that ARKX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QTUM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARKX	QTUM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.77%	14.18%	-1.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.51%	23.17%	+3.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.50%	28.39%	+5.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.02%	26.99%	+1.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.65%	27.40%	+0.25%

ARKX vs. QTUM - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than QTUM's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKX vs. QTUM - Dividend Comparison

ARKX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while QTUM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.73%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	0.73%	1.01%	0.61%	0.81%	1.46%	0.48%	0.42%	0.61%	0.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKX and QTUM in my portfolio?

ARKX and QTUM have a correlation of 0.72, 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 QTUM?

QTUM has higher volatility (14.18%) compared to ARKX (12.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKX dropped -43.61% vs QTUM's -38.45%.

Which ETF is better, ARKX or QTUM?

On 5-year performance, QTUM leads with 28.09% vs 10.38% for ARKX. On fees, QTUM is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, ARKX has been the lower-risk option at 12.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKX or QTUM?

Over the 5-year period, QTUM has performed better with a 28.09% 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 QTUM?

QTUM is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKX.

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

QTUM has the higher dividend yield at 0.73%, compared with 0.00% for ARKX.

What is the main difference between ARKX and QTUM?

ARKX is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while QTUM is Technology Equities. They also come from different issuers: ARK and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ARKX and 0.40% for QTUM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QTUM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.94 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.