GAVA vs. ARKD

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

GAVA (Grayscale Avalanche Staking ETF) and ARKD (ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GAVA charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for ARKD.

Performance

GAVA vs. ARKD - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

GAVA

• 1D: -3.30%
• 1M: -17.27%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ARKD

• 1D: 1.76%
• 1M: 2.65%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GAVA vs. ARKD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
GAVA Grayscale Avalanche Staking ETF	-18.74%
ARKD ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF	7.03%

Correlation

The correlation between GAVA and ARKD is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 13, 2026	0.43

Return for Risk

GAVA vs. ARKD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grayscale Avalanche Staking ETF (GAVA) 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

	GAVA	ARKD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-1.21	-0.04	-1.17

Drawdowns

GAVA vs. ARKD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GAVA drawdown since its inception was -24.10%, which is greater than ARKD's maximum drawdown of -14.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GAVA and ARKD.

Drawdown Indicators

	GAVA	ARKD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.10%	-14.03%	-10.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-24.10%	-2.83%	-21.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.29%	-6.18%	-3.11%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GAVA	ARKD	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	49.58%	19.90%	+29.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	49.58%	19.90%	+29.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	49.58%	19.90%	+29.68%

GAVA vs. ARKD - Expense Ratio Comparison

GAVA has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKD's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

GAVA vs. ARKD - Dividend Comparison

Neither GAVA nor ARKD has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GAVA and ARKD in my portfolio?

GAVA and ARKD have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GAVA or ARKD?

On fees, GAVA is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GAVA or ARKD?

GAVA is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for ARKD.

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

GAVA and ARKD have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between GAVA and ARKD?

They also come from different issuers: Grayscale and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for GAVA and 0.90% for ARKD.