DEF vs. ARKK

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

DEF (Invesco Defensive Equity ETF) and ARKK (ARK Innovation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DEF is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Invesco Defensive Equity Index, while ARKK is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by ARK. DEF is passively managed, while ARKK is actively managed. At a 0.09 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DEF charges 0.53%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKK.

Performance

DEF vs. ARKK - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

DEF

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ARKK

• 1D: 1.64%
• 1M: 5.12%
• 6M: -4.43%
• YTD: 3.38%
• 1Y: 7.97%
• 3Y*: 18.19%
• 5Y*: -7.08%
• 10Y*: 15.53%

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

DEF vs. ARKK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DEF Invesco Defensive Equity ETF	-11.11%
ARKK ARK Innovation ETF	6.75%

Correlation

The correlation between DEF and ARKK is 0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 8, 2026	0.09

DEF vs. ARKK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DEF	ARKK
Healthcare	16.8%	28.1%
Financial Services	16.1%	16.2%
Industrials	15.6%	5.7%
Consumer Defensive	12.9%	-
Technology	12.1%	25.9%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	14.1%
Utilities	4.8%	-
Communication Services	4.7%	10.0%
Real Estate	3.8%	-
Basic Materials	2.1%	-
Energy	1.0%	-

Return for Risk

DEF vs. ARKK — Risk / Return Rank

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

DEF

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

ARKK

ARKK Risk / Return Rank: 13
ARKK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
ARKK Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
ARKK Omega Ratio Rank: 13
ARKK Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
ARKK Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

DEF vs. ARKK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Defensive Equity ETF (DEF) 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.

	DEF	ARKK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.22	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	0.56	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.06	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	0.26	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	0.54	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	DEF	ARKK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-80.97%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-31.35%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-39.56%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-76.27%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-80.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-48.51%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-30.28%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	14.92%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DEF	ARKK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	9.72%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	27.02%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	36.37%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	46.47%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	40.41%	—

DEF vs. ARKK - Expense Ratio Comparison

DEF has a 0.53% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKK's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

DEF vs. ARKK - Dividend Comparison

Neither DEF nor ARKK has 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%
DEF Invesco Defensive Equity 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%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DEF and ARKK in my portfolio?

DEF and ARKK have a correlation of 0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DEF or ARKK?

On fees, DEF is cheaper at 0.53% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DEF or ARKK?

DEF is cheaper with a 0.53% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKK.

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

DEF and ARKK have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between DEF and ARKK?

DEF is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while ARKK is Technology Equities. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.53% for DEF and 0.75% for ARKK.