IBM vs. ARKW

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) is a stock, while ARKW (ARK Next Generation Internet ETF) is Mid Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by ARK. Over the past 10 years, IBM returned 11.09%/yr vs 22.51%/yr for ARKW. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

IBM vs. ARKW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) and ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBM achieves a -6.89% return, which is significantly lower than ARKW's -4.37% return. Over the past 10 years, IBM has underperformed ARKW with an annualized return of 11.09%, while ARKW has yielded a comparatively higher 22.51% annualized return.

IBM

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: 26.84%
• YTD: -6.89%
• 6M: -10.81%
• 1Y: -0.65%
• 3Y*: 29.65%
• 5Y*: 18.01%
• 10Y*: 11.09%

ARKW

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: -3.08%
• YTD: -4.37%
• 6M: -7.45%
• 1Y: 10.46%
• 3Y*: 36.42%
• 5Y*: 0.46%
• 10Y*: 22.51%

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

IBM vs. ARKW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IBM International Business Machines Corporation	-6.89%	38.23%	39.27%	21.85%	10.64%	16.65%	-1.16%	23.58%	-22.56%	-3.99%
ARKW ARK Next Generation Internet ETF	-4.37%	38.93%	42.27%	96.89%	-67.49%	-18.85%	157.44%	35.76%	4.24%	87.29%

Correlation

The correlation between IBM and ARKW is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.33
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.30
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2014	0.33

Return for Risk

IBM vs. ARKW — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBM

IBM Risk / Return Rank: 41
IBM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
IBM Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
IBM Omega Ratio Rank: 38
IBM Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
IBM Martin Ratio Rank: 42

ARKW

ARKW Risk / Return Rank: 14
ARKW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
ARKW Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
ARKW Omega Ratio Rank: 15
ARKW Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
ARKW Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

IBM vs. ARKW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) and ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW). 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.

	IBM	ARKW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.02	0.32	-0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.26	0.65	-0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	1.08	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.02	0.29	-0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.05	0.59	-0.63

IBM vs. ARKW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBM Sharpe Ratio is -0.02, which is lower than the ARKW Sharpe Ratio of 0.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBM and ARKW, 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

IBM vs. ARKW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBM drawdown since its inception was -69.40%, smaller than the maximum ARKW drawdown of -80.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBM and ARKW.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBM	ARKW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.40%	-80.52%	+11.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-30.96%	-36.21%	+5.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.96%	-36.21%	+5.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.96%	-77.36%	+46.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.59%	-80.52%	+39.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.31%	-23.35%	+6.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.12%	-23.97%	+3.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.38%	17.89%	-3.51%

Volatility

IBM vs. ARKW - Volatility Comparison

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) has a higher volatility of 21.43% compared to ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW) at 10.38%. This indicates that IBM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ARKW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IBM	ARKW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	21.43%	10.38%	+11.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.62%	24.57%	+10.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.45%	32.92%	+6.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.16%	43.59%	-16.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.59%	37.73%	-11.14%

Dividends

IBM vs. ARKW - Dividend Comparison

IBM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.47%, more than ARKW's 1.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKW ARK Next Generation Internet ETF	1.66%	1.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.17%	1.29%	0.00%	13.05%	2.05%	0.00%	2.29%
IBM International Business Machines Corporation	2.47%	2.27%	3.03%	4.05%	4.68%	4.74%	5.17%	4.80%	5.46%	3.85%	3.31%	3.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBM and ARKW in my portfolio?

IBM and ARKW have a correlation of 0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IBM or ARKW?

IBM has higher volatility (21.43%) compared to ARKW (10.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBM dropped -69.40% vs ARKW's -80.52%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.32 vs -0.02), 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.