FWD vs. ARKK

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FWD (AB Disruptors ETF) and ARKK (ARK Innovation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FWD is a Global Equities fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while ARKK is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by ARK. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, FWD returned 40.05%/yr vs 23.35%/yr for ARKK. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FWD charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKK.

Performance

FWD vs. ARKK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB Disruptors ETF (FWD) 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, FWD achieves a 42.55% return, which is significantly higher than ARKK's 1.96% return.

FWD

• 1D: 1.11%
• 1M: 8.76%
• YTD: 42.55%
• 6M: 40.47%
• 1Y: 76.62%
• 3Y*: 40.05%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ARKK

• 1D: -2.19%
• 1M: 2.66%
• YTD: 1.96%
• 6M: -3.76%
• 1Y: 15.80%
• 3Y*: 23.35%
• 5Y*: -8.43%
• 10Y*: 16.16%

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

FWD vs. ARKK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
FWD AB Disruptors ETF	42.55%	32.00%	29.23%	23.48%
ARKK ARK Innovation ETF	1.96%	35.49%	8.40%	30.90%

Correlation

The correlation between FWD and ARKK is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 22, 2023	0.74

The correlation between FWD and ARKK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

FWD vs. ARKK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FWD	ARKK
Technology	59.8%	25.9%
Industrials	19.3%	5.7%
Healthcare	6.9%	28.1%
Consumer Cyclical	3.6%	14.1%
Communication Services	3.4%	10.0%
Energy	2.6%	-
Basic Materials	1.9%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.8%	-
Real Estate	0.7%	-
Financial Services	0.5%	16.2%
Utilities	0.3%	-

Return for Risk

FWD vs. ARKK — Risk / Return Rank

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

FWD

FWD Risk / Return Rank: 88
FWD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
FWD Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
FWD Omega Ratio Rank: 83
FWD Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
FWD Martin Ratio Rank: 91

ARKK

ARKK Risk / Return Rank: 14
ARKK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
ARKK Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
ARKK Omega Ratio Rank: 15
ARKK Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
ARKK Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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.

FWD vs. ARKK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB Disruptors ETF (FWD) 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.

	FWD	ARKK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.94	0.44	+2.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.47	0.85	+2.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.10	+0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.91	0.51	+5.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.13	1.09	+19.04

FWD vs. ARKK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FWD Sharpe Ratio is 2.94, which is higher than the ARKK Sharpe Ratio of 0.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FWD 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

FWD vs. ARKK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FWD drawdown since its inception was -29.02%, smaller than the maximum ARKK drawdown of -80.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FWD and ARKK.

Drawdown Indicators

	FWD	ARKK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.02%	-80.97%	+51.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.03%	-31.35%	+18.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.02%	-39.56%	+10.54%
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	0.00%	-49.21%	+49.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.06%	-30.19%	+26.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.82%	14.53%	-10.71%

Volatility

FWD vs. ARKK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AB Disruptors ETF (FWD) is 11.68%, while ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) has a volatility of 12.34%. This indicates that FWD 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

	FWD	ARKK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.68%	12.34%	-0.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.26%	26.65%	-5.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.29%	36.20%	-9.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.25%	46.46%	-21.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.25%	40.41%	-15.16%

FWD vs. ARKK - Expense Ratio Comparison

FWD has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKK's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

FWD vs. ARKK - Dividend Comparison

FWD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.08%, 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%
FWD AB Disruptors ETF	0.08%	0.11%	1.89%	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 FWD and ARKK in my portfolio?

FWD and ARKK have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FWD or ARKK?

ARKK has higher volatility (12.34%) compared to FWD (11.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FWD dropped -29.02% vs ARKK's -80.97%.

Which ETF is better, FWD or ARKK?

On 3-year performance, FWD leads with 40.05% vs 23.35% for ARKK. On fees, FWD is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, FWD has been the lower-risk option at 11.68%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FWD or ARKK?

Over the 3-year period, FWD has performed better with a 40.05% return vs 23.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FWD or ARKK?

FWD is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKK.

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

FWD has the higher dividend yield at 0.08%, compared with 0.00% for ARKK.

What is the main difference between FWD and ARKK?

FWD is categorized as Global Equities, while ARKK is Technology Equities. They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for FWD and 0.75% for ARKK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FWD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.94 vs 0.44), 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.