ITA vs. ARKX

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

ITA (iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF) and ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds. ITA is passively managed, while ARKX is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, ITA returned 18.12%/yr vs 11.15%/yr for ARKX. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ITA charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKX.

Performance

ITA vs. ARKX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) 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, ITA achieves a 11.47% return, which is significantly lower than ARKX's 19.25% return.

ITA

• 1D: -1.57%
• 1M: 6.12%
• YTD: 11.47%
• 6M: 11.88%
• 1Y: 33.12%
• 3Y*: 28.22%
• 5Y*: 18.12%
• 10Y*: 15.51%

ARKX

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: -2.43%
• YTD: 19.25%
• 6M: 18.23%
• 1Y: 57.16%
• 3Y*: 32.73%
• 5Y*: 11.15%
• 10Y*: —

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

ITA vs. ARKX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ITA iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF	11.47%	48.64%	15.81%	14.33%	9.96%	0.11%
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	19.25%	48.46%	26.67%	24.37%	-34.27%	-8.05%

Correlation

The correlation between ITA and ARKX is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 30, 2021	0.69

The correlation between ITA and ARKX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

ITA vs. ARKX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ITA	ARKX
Industrials	99.6%	56.2%
Technology	0.1%	27.0%
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Communication Services	-	7.6%
Consumer Cyclical	-	7.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	1.7%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ITA vs. ARKX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ITA

ITA Risk / Return Rank: 45
ITA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
ITA Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
ITA Omega Ratio Rank: 43
ITA Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
ITA Martin Ratio Rank: 38

ARKX

ARKX Risk / Return Rank: 50
ARKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
ARKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
ARKX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
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.

ITA vs. ARKX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) 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.

	ITA	ARKX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	1.71	-0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.28	2.29	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.27	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.18	2.82	-0.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.75	7.37	-1.62

ITA vs. ARKX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ITA Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is comparable to the ARKX Sharpe Ratio of 1.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ITA 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

ITA vs. ARKX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ITA drawdown since its inception was -59.72%, which is greater than ARKX's maximum drawdown of -43.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ITA and ARKX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ITA	ARKX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.72%	-43.61%	-16.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.82%	-20.42%	+4.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.82%	-25.47%	+9.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.72%	-43.61%	+24.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.00%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.50%	-8.43%	+3.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.45%	-19.88%	+10.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.99%	7.80%	-1.81%

Volatility

ITA vs. ARKX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) is 8.52%, while ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) has a volatility of 12.86%. This indicates that ITA 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

	ITA	ARKX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.52%	12.86%	-4.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.55%	26.55%	-8.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.88%	33.63%	-11.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.24%	28.09%	-7.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.24%	27.68%	-4.44%

ITA vs. ARKX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ITA has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKX's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

ITA vs. ARKX - Dividend Comparison

ITA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%, while ARKX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation 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%
ITA iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.45%	0.55%	0.85%	0.93%	0.95%	0.82%	1.07%	1.54%	1.13%	0.91%	1.07%	1.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ITA and ARKX in my portfolio?

ITA and ARKX have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ITA or ARKX?

ARKX has higher volatility (12.86%) compared to ITA (8.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ITA dropped -59.72% vs ARKX's -43.61%.

Which ETF is better, ITA or ARKX?

On 5-year performance, ITA leads with 18.12% vs 11.15% for ARKX. On fees, ITA is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, ITA has been the lower-risk option at 8.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ITA or ARKX?

Over the 5-year period, ITA has performed better with a 18.12% return vs 11.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ITA or ARKX?

ITA is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKX.

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

ITA has the higher dividend yield at 0.45%, compared with 0.00% for ARKX.

What is the main difference between ITA and ARKX?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for ITA and 0.75% for ARKX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 vs 1.58), 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.