ARKX vs. XDEF

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) and XDEF (Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds. ARKX is actively managed, while XDEF is passively managed. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ARKX charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XDEF.

Performance

ARKX vs. XDEF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

ARKX

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

XDEF

• 1D: -1.21%
• 1M: -7.56%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ARKX vs. XDEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	10.14%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	-99.20%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKX and XDEF is 0.58, 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 Jan 2, 2026	0.58

Return for Risk

ARKX vs. XDEF — 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

XDEF

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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. XDEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) and Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF). 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	XDEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.75	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.99	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.07	—	—

Drawdowns

ARKX vs. XDEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKX drawdown since its inception was -43.61%, smaller than the maximum XDEF drawdown of -99.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKX and XDEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKX	XDEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.61%	-99.30%	+55.69%
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 Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.42%	-99.29%	+83.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.86%	-73.46%	+53.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.99%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ARKX	XDEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.46%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.17%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.92%	146.96%	-113.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.16%	146.96%	-118.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.70%	146.96%	-119.26%

ARKX vs. XDEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than XDEF's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKX vs. XDEF - Dividend Comparison

ARKX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XDEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.57%.

Position	TTM
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	0.00%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	1.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKX and XDEF in my portfolio?

ARKX and XDEF have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ARKX or XDEF?

On fees, XDEF is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKX or XDEF?

XDEF is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKX.

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

XDEF has the higher dividend yield at 1.57%, compared with 0.00% for ARKX.

What is the main difference between ARKX and XDEF?

They also come from different issuers: ARK and Xtrackers. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ARKX and 0.35% for XDEF.