BITO vs. ARKK

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

BITO (ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF) and ARKK (ARK Innovation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BITO is a Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by ProShares, while ARKK is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by ARK. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, BITO returned 26.35%/yr vs 19.87%/yr for ARKK. At a 0.50 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BITO charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKK.

Performance

BITO vs. ARKK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) and ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BITO achieves a -28.44% return, which is significantly lower than ARKK's -1.65% return.

BITO

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: -22.17%
• YTD: -28.44%
• 6M: -30.74%
• 1Y: -41.98%
• 3Y*: 26.35%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ARKK

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: -3.01%
• YTD: -1.65%
• 6M: -5.90%
• 1Y: 21.64%
• 3Y*: 19.87%
• 5Y*: -7.96%
• 10Y*: 15.57%

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

BITO vs. ARKK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BITO ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF	-28.44%	-11.19%	104.45%	137.33%	-63.91%	-29.31%
ARKK ARK Innovation ETF	-1.65%	35.49%	8.40%	69.04%	-66.97%	-18.74%

Correlation

The correlation between BITO and ARKK is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 19, 2021	0.50

The correlation between BITO and ARKK shifts across timeframes, from 0.50 (all time) to 0.63 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BITO vs. ARKK — Risk / Return Rank

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

BITO

BITO Risk / Return Rank: 2
BITO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
BITO Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
BITO Omega Ratio Rank: 2
BITO Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
BITO Martin Ratio Rank: 2

ARKK

ARKK Risk / Return Rank: 20
ARKK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
ARKK Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
ARKK Omega Ratio Rank: 20
ARKK Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
ARKK Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

BITO vs. ARKK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) and ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK). 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.

	BITO	ARKK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.98	0.61	-1.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.43	1.06	-2.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.84	1.12	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.81	0.70	-1.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.42	1.53	-2.95

BITO vs. ARKK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BITO Sharpe Ratio is -0.98, which is lower than the ARKK Sharpe Ratio of 0.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BITO and ARKK, 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

BITO vs. ARKK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BITO drawdown since its inception was -77.86%, roughly equal to the maximum ARKK drawdown of -80.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BITO and ARKK.

Drawdown Indicators

	BITO	ARKK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.86%	-80.97%	+3.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-53.10%	-31.35%	-21.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-53.10%	-39.56%	-13.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-77.23%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-80.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-50.64%	-51.01%	+0.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-36.79%	-30.16%	-6.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	30.32%	14.39%	+15.93%

Volatility

BITO vs. ARKK - Volatility Comparison

ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) and ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) have volatilities of 11.73% and 11.81%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BITO	ARKK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.73%	11.81%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.20%	26.30%	+7.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.88%	36.28%	+7.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	55.07%	46.40%	+8.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	55.07%	40.34%	+14.73%

BITO vs. ARKK - Expense Ratio Comparison

BITO has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than ARKK's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

BITO vs. ARKK - Dividend Comparison

BITO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 69.59%, while ARKK has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKK ARK Innovation ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.70%	0.00%	0.55%	1.64%	0.38%	3.14%	1.32%	0.00%	2.27%
BITO ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF	69.59%	78.29%	61.59%	15.14%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BITO and ARKK in my portfolio?

BITO and ARKK have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BITO or ARKK?

ARKK has higher volatility (11.81%) compared to BITO (11.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BITO dropped -77.86% vs ARKK's -80.97%.

Which ETF is better, BITO or ARKK?

On 3-year performance, BITO leads with 26.35% vs 19.87% for ARKK. On fees, ARKK is cheaper at 0.75% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BITO or ARKK?

Over the 3-year period, BITO has performed better with a 26.35% return vs 19.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BITO or ARKK?

ARKK is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BITO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BITO or ARKK?

BITO has the higher dividend yield at 69.59%, compared with 0.00% for ARKK.

What is the main difference between BITO and ARKK?

BITO is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while ARKK is Technology Equities. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for BITO and 0.75% for ARKK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.61 vs -0.98), 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.