ARKX vs. SHLD

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds. ARKX is actively managed, while SHLD is passively managed. Over the past year, ARKX returned 10.42% vs -1.74% for SHLD. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ARKX charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

ARKX vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ARKX achieves a 4.55% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -7.00% return.

ARKX

• 1D: -1.53%
• 1M: -12.20%
• 6M: -13.85%
• YTD: 4.55%
• 1Y: 10.42%
• 3Y*: 24.85%
• 5Y*: 8.57%
• 10Y*: —

SHLD

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: -5.60%
• 6M: -22.66%
• YTD: -7.00%
• 1Y: -1.74%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ARKX vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	4.55%	48.46%	26.67%	7.91%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-7.00%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKX and SHLD 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.61

The correlation between ARKX and SHLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.61 (all time) to 0.72 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ARKX vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ARKX	SHLD
Industrials	56.2%	87.8%
Technology	27.0%	12.2%
Communication Services	7.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	-
Healthcare	1.7%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ARKX vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARKX

ARKX Risk / Return Rank: 16
ARKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
ARKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
ARKX Omega Ratio Rank: 15
ARKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
ARKX Martin Ratio Rank: 17

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 9
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 9
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) and Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD). 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	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.31	-0.07	+0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.67	0.08	+0.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.01	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.51	-0.07	+0.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.20	-0.17	+1.36

ARKX vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKX Sharpe Ratio is 0.31, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of -0.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKX and SHLD, 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. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKX drawdown since its inception was -43.61%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -25.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKX and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKX	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.61%	-25.40%	-18.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.42%	-25.40%	+4.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.47%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.71%	-22.77%	+3.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.80%	-3.93%	-15.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.74%	10.40%	-1.66%

Volatility

ARKX vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) has a higher volatility of 8.71% compared to Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) at 8.21%. This indicates that ARKX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SHLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARKX	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.71%	8.21%	+0.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.09%	19.78%	+6.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	34.13%	25.11%	+9.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.33%	21.52%	+6.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.76%	21.52%	+6.24%

ARKX vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

ARKX vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

ARKX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SHLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.71%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.71%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKX and SHLD in my portfolio?

ARKX and SHLD 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 SHLD?

ARKX has higher volatility (8.71%) compared to SHLD (8.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKX dropped -43.61% vs SHLD's -25.40%.

Which ETF is better, ARKX or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, ARKX leads with 10.42% vs -1.74% for SHLD. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, SHLD has been the lower-risk option at 8.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKX or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, ARKX has performed better with a 10.42% return vs -1.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKX or SHLD?

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

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

SHLD has the higher dividend yield at 0.71%, compared with 0.00% for ARKX.

What is the main difference between ARKX and SHLD?

They also come from different issuers: ARK and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ARKX and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.31 vs -0.07), 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.