ARKX vs. WNTR

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) and WNTR (YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKX is a Aerospace & Defense fund actively managed by ARK, while WNTR is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by YieldMax. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, ARKX returned 40.43% vs 115.98% for WNTR. At a correlation of -0.50, they often move in opposite directions. ARKX charges 0.75%/yr vs 1.01%/yr for WNTR.

Performance

ARKX vs. WNTR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) and YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (WNTR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ARKX achieves a 10.14% return, which is significantly lower than WNTR's 17.65% return.

ARKX

• 1D: -0.81%
• 1M: -12.09%
• YTD: 10.14%
• 6M: 6.26%
• 1Y: 40.43%
• 3Y*: 30.83%
• 5Y*: 8.59%
• 10Y*: —

WNTR

• 1D: 6.51%
• 1M: 45.64%
• YTD: 17.65%
• 6M: 21.49%
• 1Y: 115.98%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ARKX vs. WNTR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	10.14%	53.41%
WNTR YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	17.65%	52.78%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKX and WNTR is -0.52, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 27, 2025	-0.50

The correlation between ARKX and WNTR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.52 to -0.50 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ARKX vs. WNTR — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARKX

ARKX Risk / Return Rank: 38
ARKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
ARKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
ARKX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
ARKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
ARKX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

WNTR

WNTR Risk / Return Rank: 63
WNTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
WNTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
WNTR Omega Ratio Rank: 64
WNTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
WNTR Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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. WNTR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) and YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (WNTR). 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	WNTR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	2.20	-1.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.75	2.46	-0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.33	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.99	2.73	-0.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.07	6.99	-1.92

ARKX vs. WNTR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKX Sharpe Ratio is 1.20, which is lower than the WNTR Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKX and WNTR, 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. WNTR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKX drawdown since its inception was -43.61%, roughly equal to the maximum WNTR drawdown of -42.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKX and WNTR.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKX	WNTR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.61%	-42.65%	-0.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.42%	-42.65%	+22.23%
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	-15.42%	-4.02%	-11.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.86%	-20.87%	+1.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.99%	16.66%	-8.67%

Volatility

ARKX vs. WNTR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) is 12.46%, while YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (WNTR) has a volatility of 18.14%. This indicates that ARKX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than WNTR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARKX	WNTR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.46%	18.14%	-5.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.17%	46.41%	-20.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.92%	53.16%	-19.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.16%	53.31%	-25.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.70%	53.31%	-25.61%

ARKX vs. WNTR - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than WNTR's 1.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKX vs. WNTR - Dividend Comparison

ARKX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while WNTR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 94.34%.

Position	TTM	2025
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	0.00%	0.00%
WNTR YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	94.34%	58.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKX and WNTR in my portfolio?

ARKX and WNTR have a correlation of -0.52, 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 WNTR?

WNTR has higher volatility (18.14%) compared to ARKX (12.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKX dropped -43.61% vs WNTR's -42.65%.

Which ETF is better, ARKX or WNTR?

On 1-year performance, WNTR leads with 115.98% vs 40.43% for ARKX. On fees, ARKX is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, ARKX has been the lower-risk option at 12.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKX or WNTR?

Over the 1-year period, WNTR has performed better with a 115.98% return vs 40.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKX or WNTR?

ARKX is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 1.01% for WNTR.

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

WNTR has the higher dividend yield at 94.34%, compared with 0.00% for ARKX.

What is the main difference between ARKX and WNTR?

ARKX is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while WNTR is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: ARK and YieldMax. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ARKX and 1.01% for WNTR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WNTR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.20), 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.