GDX vs. ARKB

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) and ARKB (ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GDX is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index, while ARKB is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, GDX returned 57.71% vs -36.82% for ARKB. At a 0.18 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GDX charges 0.51%/yr vs 0.21%/yr for ARKB.

Performance

GDX vs. ARKB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) and ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GDX achieves a -0.58% return, which is significantly higher than ARKB's -23.93% return.

GDX

• 1D: 6.55%
• 1M: -2.38%
• YTD: -0.58%
• 6M: 1.22%
• 1Y: 57.71%
• 3Y*: 41.18%
• 5Y*: 19.97%
• 10Y*: 13.81%

ARKB

• 1D: 4.79%
• 1M: -15.85%
• YTD: -23.93%
• 6M: -22.44%
• 1Y: -36.82%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GDX vs. ARKB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-0.58%	154.77%	17.86%
ARKB ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF	-23.93%	-6.59%	86.54%

Correlation

The correlation between GDX and ARKB is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	0.18

Return for Risk

GDX vs. ARKB — Risk / Return Rank

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

GDX

GDX Risk / Return Rank: 35
GDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
GDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
GDX Omega Ratio Rank: 38
GDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
GDX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

ARKB

ARKB Risk / Return Rank: 3
ARKB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
ARKB Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
ARKB Omega Ratio Rank: 3
ARKB Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
ARKB Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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.

GDX vs. ARKB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) and ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB). 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.

	GDX	ARKB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	-0.84	+2.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.65	-1.12	+2.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	0.87	+0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.60	-0.71	+2.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.39	-1.24	+5.63

GDX vs. ARKB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GDX Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is higher than the ARKB Sharpe Ratio of -0.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GDX and ARKB, 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

GDX vs. ARKB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDX drawdown since its inception was -80.34%, which is greater than ARKB's maximum drawdown of -52.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDX and ARKB.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDX	ARKB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-80.34%	-52.04%	-28.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-36.28%	-52.04%	+15.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-36.28%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.51%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.79%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-26.39%	-47.03%	+20.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-40.41%	-16.61%	-23.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.22%	29.75%	-16.53%

Volatility

GDX vs. ARKB - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has a higher volatility of 18.56% compared to ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) at 12.88%. This indicates that GDX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ARKB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GDX	ARKB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.56%	12.88%	+5.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	39.52%	34.67%	+4.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	47.30%	44.23%	+3.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.86%	50.14%	-13.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	37.37%	50.14%	-12.77%

GDX vs. ARKB - Expense Ratio Comparison

GDX has a 0.51% expense ratio, which is higher than ARKB's 0.21% expense ratio.

Dividends

GDX vs. ARKB - Dividend Comparison

GDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.74%, while ARKB has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKB ARK 21Shares Bitcoin 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%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	0.74%	0.74%	1.19%	1.61%	1.66%	1.67%	0.53%	0.67%	0.50%	0.76%	0.26%	0.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDX and ARKB in my portfolio?

GDX and ARKB have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GDX or ARKB?

GDX has higher volatility (18.56%) compared to ARKB (12.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GDX dropped -80.34% vs ARKB's -52.04%.

Which ETF is better, GDX or ARKB?

On 1-year performance, GDX leads with 57.71% vs -36.82% for ARKB. On fees, ARKB is cheaper at 0.21% per year. On volatility, ARKB has been the lower-risk option at 12.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GDX or ARKB?

Over the 1-year period, GDX has performed better with a 57.71% return vs -36.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GDX or ARKB?

ARKB is cheaper with a 0.21% expense ratio, compared with 0.51% for GDX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GDX or ARKB?

GDX has the higher dividend yield at 0.74%, compared with 0.00% for ARKB.

What is the main difference between GDX and ARKB?

GDX is categorized as Gold, while ARKB is Cryptocurrency. GDX tracks NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index, while ARKB tracks CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.51% for GDX and 0.21% for ARKB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.23 vs -0.84), 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.