IGM vs. ARKF

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

IGM (iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF) and ARKF (ARK Fintech Innovation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IGM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P North American Expanded Technology Sector Index, while ARKF is a Blockchain fund actively managed by ARK. IGM is passively managed, while ARKF is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, IGM returned 20.09%/yr vs -5.06%/yr for ARKF. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IGM charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKF.

Performance

IGM vs. ARKF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) and ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IGM achieves a 23.42% return, which is significantly higher than ARKF's -18.31% return.

IGM

• 1D: 0.69%
• 1M: 3.04%
• YTD: 23.42%
• 6M: 23.24%
• 1Y: 48.57%
• 3Y*: 35.37%
• 5Y*: 20.09%
• 10Y*: 24.57%

ARKF

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -5.76%
• YTD: -18.31%
• 6M: -21.31%
• 1Y: -11.87%
• 3Y*: 23.97%
• 5Y*: -5.06%
• 10Y*: —

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

IGM vs. ARKF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
IGM iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF	23.42%	26.76%	36.99%	60.68%	-35.83%	25.72%	45.11%	28.53%
ARKF ARK Fintech Innovation ETF	-18.31%	28.67%	34.34%	93.27%	-65.07%	-17.82%	108.03%	20.45%

Correlation

The correlation between IGM and ARKF is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 4, 2019	0.79

The correlation between IGM and ARKF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

IGM vs. ARKF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IGM	ARKF
Technology	82.8%	42.7%
Communication Services	16.8%	12.2%
Financial Services	0.2%	28.5%
Industrials	0.2%	-
Energy	0.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	16.4%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	0.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IGM vs. ARKF — Risk / Return Rank

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

IGM

IGM Risk / Return Rank: 71
IGM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
IGM Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
IGM Omega Ratio Rank: 73
IGM Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
IGM Martin Ratio Rank: 64

ARKF

ARKF Risk / Return Rank: 7
ARKF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
ARKF Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
ARKF Omega Ratio Rank: 7
ARKF Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
ARKF Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

IGM vs. ARKF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) and ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF). 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.

	IGM	ARKF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.22	-0.35	+2.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.78	-0.28	+3.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	0.97	+0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.97	-0.31	+3.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.06	-0.57	+10.63

IGM vs. ARKF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IGM Sharpe Ratio is 2.22, which is higher than the ARKF Sharpe Ratio of -0.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IGM and ARKF, 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

IGM vs. ARKF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IGM drawdown since its inception was -65.59%, smaller than the maximum ARKF drawdown of -78.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IGM and ARKF.

Drawdown Indicators

	IGM	ARKF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.59%	-78.63%	+13.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.44%	-38.50%	+22.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.39%	-38.50%	+12.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.68%	-75.30%	+34.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.68%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.80%	-38.77%	+31.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.22%	-34.95%	+19.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.84%	21.00%	-16.16%

Volatility

IGM vs. ARKF - Volatility Comparison

iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) and ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF) have volatilities of 10.03% and 10.36%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IGM	ARKF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.03%	10.36%	-0.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.11%	25.14%	-7.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.98%	33.69%	-11.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.91%	42.87%	-16.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.66%	39.77%	-15.11%

IGM vs. ARKF - Expense Ratio Comparison

IGM has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKF's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

IGM vs. ARKF - Dividend Comparison

IGM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, more than ARKF's 0.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKF ARK Fintech Innovation ETF	0.11%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.37%	1.25%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IGM iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF	0.13%	0.17%	0.22%	0.33%	0.66%	0.16%	0.32%	0.50%	0.57%	0.57%	0.90%	0.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IGM and ARKF in my portfolio?

IGM and ARKF have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IGM or ARKF?

ARKF has higher volatility (10.36%) compared to IGM (10.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IGM dropped -65.59% vs ARKF's -78.63%.

Which ETF is better, IGM or ARKF?

On 5-year performance, IGM leads with 20.09% vs -5.06% for ARKF. On fees, IGM is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, IGM has been the lower-risk option at 10.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IGM or ARKF?

Over the 5-year period, IGM has performed better with a 20.09% return vs -5.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IGM or ARKF?

IGM is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IGM or ARKF?

IGM has the higher dividend yield at 0.13%, compared with 0.11% for ARKF.

What is the main difference between IGM and ARKF?

IGM is categorized as Technology Equities, while ARKF is Blockchain. They also come from different issuers: iShares and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for IGM and 0.75% for ARKF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IGM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs -0.35), 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.