ARKX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKX is a Aerospace & Defense fund actively managed by ARK, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. ARKX is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ARKX returned 9.28%/yr vs 12.80%/yr for VUG. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ARKX charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

ARKX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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 VUG's 3.52% return.

ARKX

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

VUG

• 1D: -2.12%
• 1M: -3.95%
• YTD: 3.52%
• 6M: 2.23%
• 1Y: 20.05%
• 3Y*: 22.74%
• 5Y*: 12.80%
• 10Y*: 18.02%

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

ARKX vs. VUG - 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%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	3.52%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	26.45%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKX and VUG 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	0.64
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 VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.61 (1 year) to 0.74 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ARKX vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ARKX	VUG
Industrials	56.2%	3.6%
Technology	27.0%	53.5%
Communication Services	7.6%	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	12.2%
Healthcare	1.7%	4.6%
Basic Materials	0.0%	0.6%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.5%
Energy	-	0.4%
Financial Services	-	4.3%
Real Estate	-	1.0%
Utilities	-	0.9%

Return for Risk

ARKX vs. VUG — 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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 31
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	1.19	+0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.94	1.67	+0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.21	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.29	1.22	+1.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.93	4.15	+1.79

ARKX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKX Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKX and VUG, 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. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKX drawdown since its inception was -43.61%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.61%	-50.68%	+7.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.42%	-16.53%	-3.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.47%	-22.85%	-2.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.61%	-35.61%	-8.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.09%	-6.88%	-6.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.87%	-7.09%	-12.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.88%	4.84%	+3.04%

Volatility

ARKX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) has a higher volatility of 13.12% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 6.86%. This indicates that ARKX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARKX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.12%	6.86%	+6.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.61%	13.44%	+13.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.88%	16.91%	+16.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.15%	22.39%	+5.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.71%	21.51%	+6.20%

ARKX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

ARKX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%.

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%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKX and VUG in my portfolio?

ARKX and VUG 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 VUG?

ARKX has higher volatility (13.12%) compared to VUG (6.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKX dropped -43.61% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, ARKX or VUG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 12.80% vs 9.28% for ARKX. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 6.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKX or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 12.80% return vs 9.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKX or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKX.

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.39%, compared with 0.00% for ARKX.

What is the main difference between ARKX and VUG?

ARKX is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: ARK and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ARKX and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.38 vs 1.19), 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.