ESK vs. ARKD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ESK (REX-Osprey ETH + Staking ETF) and ARKD (ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ESK charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for ARKD.

Performance

ESK vs. ARKD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in REX-Osprey ETH + Staking ETF (ESK) and ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF (ARKD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ESK

• 1D: -6.26%
• 1M: -24.17%
• YTD: -39.23%
• 6M: -42.40%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ARKD

• 1D: -1.44%
• 1M: -0.46%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ESK vs. ARKD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ESK REX-Osprey ETH + Staking ETF	-42.01%
ARKD ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF	-2.04%

Correlation

The correlation between ESK and ARKD is 0.68, 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 5, 2026	0.68

Return for Risk

ESK vs. ARKD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for REX-Osprey ETH + Staking ETF (ESK) and ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF (ARKD). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ESK	ARKD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.99	-0.25	-0.75

Drawdowns

ESK vs. ARKD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESK drawdown since its inception was -61.14%, which is greater than ARKD's maximum drawdown of -14.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESK and ARKD.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESK	ARKD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.14%	-14.03%	-47.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-61.14%	-4.51%	-56.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-40.19%	-6.21%	-33.98%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ESK	ARKD	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	67.24%	19.81%	+47.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	67.24%	19.81%	+47.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	67.24%	19.81%	+47.43%

ESK vs. ARKD - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESK has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKD's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESK vs. ARKD - Dividend Comparison

ESK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.97%, while ARKD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
ARKD ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF	0.00%	0.00%
ESK REX-Osprey ETH + Staking ETF	0.97%	0.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESK and ARKD in my portfolio?

ESK and ARKD have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ESK or ARKD?

On fees, ESK is cheaper at 0.75% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESK or ARKD?

ESK is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for ARKD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ESK or ARKD?

ESK has the higher dividend yield at 0.97%, compared with 0.00% for ARKD.

What is the main difference between ESK and ARKD?

They also come from different issuers: REX Shares and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ESK and 0.90% for ARKD.