IBIT vs. ARKX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

IBIT (iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF) and ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IBIT is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant, while ARKX is a Aerospace & Defense fund actively managed by ARK. IBIT is passively managed, while ARKX is actively managed. Over the past year, IBIT returned -40.63% vs 52.99% for ARKX. At a 0.41 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IBIT charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKX.

Performance

IBIT vs. ARKX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) and ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBIT achieves a -27.41% return, which is significantly lower than ARKX's 16.56% return.

IBIT

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: -20.12%
• YTD: -27.41%
• 6M: -29.61%
• 1Y: -40.63%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ARKX

• 1D: -1.94%
• 1M: -2.96%
• YTD: 16.56%
• 6M: 17.78%
• 1Y: 52.99%
• 3Y*: 31.55%
• 5Y*: 10.38%
• 10Y*: —

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

IBIT vs. ARKX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF	-27.41%	-6.41%	89.87%
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	16.56%	48.46%	32.79%

Correlation

The correlation between IBIT and ARKX is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	0.41

Return for Risk

IBIT vs. ARKX — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBIT

IBIT Risk / Return Rank: 3
IBIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
IBIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
IBIT Omega Ratio Rank: 3
IBIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
IBIT Martin Ratio Rank: 2

ARKX

ARKX Risk / Return Rank: 51
ARKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
ARKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
ARKX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
ARKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
ARKX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

IBIT vs. ARKX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) and ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX). 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.

	IBIT	ARKX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.92	1.59	-2.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.30	2.15	-3.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.85	1.26	-0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.78	2.61	-3.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.37	6.87	-8.24

IBIT vs. ARKX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBIT Sharpe Ratio is -0.92, which is lower than the ARKX Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBIT and ARKX, 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

IBIT vs. ARKX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBIT drawdown since its inception was -52.11%, which is greater than ARKX's maximum drawdown of -43.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBIT and ARKX.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBIT	ARKX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.11%	-43.61%	-8.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-52.11%	-20.42%	-31.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-25.47%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-43.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-49.45%	-10.49%	-38.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.53%	-19.92%	+3.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	29.64%	7.74%	+21.90%

Volatility

IBIT vs. ARKX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) is 12.07%, while ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) has a volatility of 12.77%. This indicates that IBIT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ARKX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IBIT	ARKX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.07%	12.77%	-0.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.45%	26.51%	+7.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	44.10%	33.50%	+10.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	50.26%	28.02%	+22.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	50.26%	27.65%	+22.61%

IBIT vs. ARKX - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBIT has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKX's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

IBIT vs. ARKX - Dividend Comparison

Neither IBIT nor ARKX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBIT and ARKX in my portfolio?

IBIT and ARKX have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IBIT or ARKX?

ARKX has higher volatility (12.77%) compared to IBIT (12.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBIT dropped -52.11% vs ARKX's -43.61%.

Which ETF is better, IBIT or ARKX?

On 1-year performance, ARKX leads with 52.99% vs -40.63% for IBIT. On fees, IBIT is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, IBIT has been the lower-risk option at 12.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBIT or ARKX?

Over the 1-year period, ARKX has performed better with a 52.99% return vs -40.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBIT or ARKX?

IBIT is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IBIT or ARKX?

IBIT and ARKX have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between IBIT and ARKX?

IBIT is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while ARKX is Aerospace & Defense. They also come from different issuers: iShares and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for IBIT and 0.75% for ARKX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 vs -0.92), 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.