ARKX vs. WDGF
ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) and WDGF (WisdomTree Global Defense Fund) are both Aerospace & Defense funds. ARKX is actively managed, while WDGF is passively managed. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ARKX charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for WDGF.
Performance
ARKX vs. WDGF - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, ARKX achieves a 17.46% return, which is significantly higher than WDGF's 2.41% return.
ARKX
- 1D
- -6.38%
- 1M
- 0.65%
- YTD
- 17.46%
- 6M
- 19.82%
- 1Y
- 62.33%
- 3Y*
- 33.13%
- 5Y*
- 10.39%
- 10Y*
- —
WDGF
- 1D
- -2.00%
- 1M
- -5.66%
- YTD
- 2.41%
- 6M
- 6.71%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
ARKX vs. WDGF - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF | 17.46% | 10.23% |
WDGF WisdomTree Global Defense Fund | 2.41% | -0.25% |
Correlation
The correlation between ARKX and WDGF is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 15, 2025 | 0.79 |
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Return for Risk
ARKX vs. WDGF — Risk / Return Rank
ARKX
WDGF
ARKX vs. WDGF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) and WisdomTree Global Defense Fund (WDGF). 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.
| ARKX | WDGF | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.29 | — | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.07 | — | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 8.23 | — | — |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
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Sharpe Ratios by Period
| ARKX | WDGF | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.89 | — | — |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.37 | — | — |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.38 | 0.13 | +0.25 |
Drawdowns
ARKX vs. WDGF - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum ARKX drawdown since its inception was -43.61%, which is greater than WDGF's maximum drawdown of -14.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKX and WDGF.
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Drawdown Indicators
| ARKX | WDGF | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -43.61% | -14.36% | -29.25% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -20.42% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -25.47% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -43.61% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -9.80% | -13.30% | +3.50% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -19.97% | -5.53% | -14.44% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 7.60% | — | — |
Volatility
ARKX vs. WDGF - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| ARKX | WDGF | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 12.24% | — | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 25.81% | — | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 33.16% | 22.47% | +10.69% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 27.86% | 22.47% | +5.39% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 27.55% | 22.47% | +5.08% |
ARKX vs. WDGF - Expense Ratio Comparison
ARKX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than WDGF's 0.45% expense ratio.
Dividends
ARKX vs. WDGF - Dividend Comparison
ARKX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while WDGF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.05%.
| Position | TTM | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF | 0.00% | 0.00% |
WDGF WisdomTree Global Defense Fund | 0.05% | 0.05% |
Frequently Asked Questions
ARKX and WDGF have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
On fees, WDGF is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
WDGF is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKX.
WDGF has the higher dividend yield at 0.05%, compared with 0.00% for ARKX.
They also come from different issuers: ARK and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ARKX and 0.45% for WDGF.
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