DIA vs. ARKK

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

DIA (State Street SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust) and ARKK (ARK Innovation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DIA is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones Industrial Average, while ARKK is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by ARK. DIA is passively managed, while ARKK is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, DIA returned 13.40%/yr vs 15.57%/yr for ARKK. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DIA charges 0.16%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKK.

Performance

DIA vs. ARKK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in State Street SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust (DIA) 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, DIA achieves a 7.27% return, which is significantly higher than ARKK's -1.65% return. Over the past 10 years, DIA has underperformed ARKK with an annualized return of 13.40%, while ARKK has yielded a comparatively higher 15.57% annualized return.

DIA

• 1D: 0.73%
• 1M: 3.26%
• YTD: 7.27%
• 6M: 6.43%
• 1Y: 21.01%
• 3Y*: 16.29%
• 5Y*: 10.14%
• 10Y*: 13.40%

ARKK

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: -3.07%
• YTD: -1.65%
• 6M: -5.90%
• 1Y: 21.98%
• 3Y*: 19.87%
• 5Y*: -7.96%
• 10Y*: 15.57%

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

DIA vs. ARKK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DIA State Street SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust	7.27%	14.71%	14.82%	16.02%	-7.02%	20.83%	9.59%	24.70%	-3.74%	28.08%
ARKK ARK Innovation ETF	-1.65%	35.49%	8.40%	69.04%	-66.97%	-23.60%	152.71%	35.08%	3.52%	87.33%

Correlation

The correlation between DIA and ARKK is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2014	0.55

The correlation between DIA and ARKK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

DIA vs. ARKK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DIA	ARKK
Financial Services	27.2%	15.4%
Industrials	18.4%	6.3%
Technology	17.1%	26.4%
Healthcare	13.1%	27.4%
Consumer Cyclical	11.6%	13.7%
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	-
Basic Materials	4.0%	-
Energy	2.4%	-
Communication Services	1.9%	10.9%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

DIA vs. ARKK — Risk / Return Rank

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

DIA

DIA Risk / Return Rank: 55
DIA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
DIA Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
DIA Omega Ratio Rank: 55
DIA Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
DIA Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

DIA vs. ARKK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust (DIA) 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.

	DIA	ARKK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	0.61	+1.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.46	1.06	+1.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.12	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.16	0.70	+1.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.35	1.53	+6.82

DIA vs. ARKK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DIA Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is higher than the ARKK Sharpe Ratio of 0.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DIA 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

DIA vs. ARKK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DIA drawdown since its inception was -51.87%, smaller than the maximum ARKK drawdown of -80.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DIA and ARKK.

Drawdown Indicators

	DIA	ARKK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.87%	-80.97%	+29.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.76%	-31.35%	+21.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.95%	-39.56%	+23.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.76%	-77.23%	+56.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.70%	-80.97%	+44.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.70%	-51.01%	+50.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.14%	-30.16%	+23.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.53%	14.39%	-11.86%

Volatility

DIA vs. ARKK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for State Street SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust (DIA) is 4.32%, while ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) has a volatility of 11.81%. This indicates that DIA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ARKK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DIA	ARKK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.32%	11.81%	-7.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.78%	26.30%	-16.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.52%	36.28%	-23.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.85%	46.40%	-31.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.56%	40.34%	-22.78%

DIA vs. ARKK - Expense Ratio Comparison

DIA has a 0.16% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKK's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

DIA vs. ARKK - Dividend Comparison

DIA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.37%, 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%
DIA State Street SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust	1.37%	1.43%	1.61%	1.81%	1.91%	1.58%	1.87%	1.85%	2.24%	1.97%	2.26%	2.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DIA and ARKK in my portfolio?

DIA and ARKK have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DIA or ARKK?

ARKK has higher volatility (11.81%) compared to DIA (4.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DIA dropped -51.87% vs ARKK's -80.97%.

Which ETF is better, DIA or ARKK?

On 10-year performance, ARKK leads with 15.57% vs 13.40% for DIA. On fees, DIA is cheaper at 0.16% per year. On volatility, DIA has been the lower-risk option at 4.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DIA or ARKK?

Over the 10-year period, ARKK has performed better with a 15.57% return vs 13.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DIA or ARKK?

DIA is cheaper with a 0.16% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKK.

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

DIA has the higher dividend yield at 1.37%, compared with 0.00% for ARKK.

What is the main difference between DIA and ARKK?

DIA is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while ARKK is Technology Equities. They also come from different issuers: State Street and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.16% for DIA and 0.75% for ARKK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DIA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 vs 0.61), 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.