MFOCX vs. ARKK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MFOCX (Marsico Focus Fund) and ARKK (ARK Innovation ETF) are both funds - MFOCX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Marsico Investment Fund, while ARKK is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by ARK. Over the past 10 years, MFOCX returned 18.57%/yr vs 15.75%/yr for ARKK. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MFOCX charges 1.34%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKK.

Performance

MFOCX vs. ARKK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Marsico Focus Fund (MFOCX) and ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MFOCX achieves a 11.24% return, which is significantly higher than ARKK's 1.61% return. Over the past 10 years, MFOCX has outperformed ARKK with an annualized return of 18.57%, while ARKK has yielded a comparatively lower 15.75% annualized return.

MFOCX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 5.02%
• YTD: 11.24%
• 6M: 11.91%
• 1Y: 21.40%
• 3Y*: 28.68%
• 5Y*: 15.65%
• 10Y*: 18.57%

ARKK

• 1D: -2.19%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 1.61%
• 6M: -3.21%
• 1Y: 34.90%
• 3Y*: 23.72%
• 5Y*: -6.26%
• 10Y*: 15.75%

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

MFOCX vs. ARKK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MFOCX Marsico Focus Fund	11.24%	12.47%	49.61%	45.25%	-33.36%	20.23%	47.52%	32.33%	0.23%	34.20%
ARKK ARK Innovation ETF	1.61%	35.49%	8.40%	69.04%	-66.97%	-23.60%	152.71%	35.08%	3.52%	87.33%

Correlation

The correlation between MFOCX and ARKK is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2014	0.71

The correlation between MFOCX and ARKK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MFOCX vs. ARKK — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFOCX

MFOCX Risk / Return Rank: 26
MFOCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
MFOCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
MFOCX Omega Ratio Rank: 21
MFOCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
MFOCX Martin Ratio Rank: 34

ARKK

ARKK Risk / Return Rank: 24
ARKK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
ARKK Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
ARKK Omega Ratio Rank: 25
ARKK Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
ARKK Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

MFOCX vs. ARKK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Marsico Focus Fund (MFOCX) and ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK). 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.

	MFOCX	ARKK	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.34	0.96	+0.37
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.93	1.52	+0.41
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.17	+0.07
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.10	1.12	+0.98
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.61	2.49	+5.12
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MFOCX vs. ARKK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFOCX Sharpe Ratio is 1.34, which is higher than the ARKK Sharpe Ratio of 0.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFOCX and ARKK, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MFOCX	ARKK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.34	0.96	+0.37
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70	-0.14	+0.83
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85	0.39	+0.45
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.52	0.35	+0.17

Drawdowns

MFOCX vs. ARKK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFOCX drawdown since its inception was -54.96%, smaller than the maximum ARKK drawdown of -80.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFOCX and ARKK.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFOCX	ARKK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.96%	-80.97%	+26.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.44%	-31.35%	+20.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.56%	-39.56%	+16.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.76%	-77.23%	+40.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.76%	-80.97%	+44.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.22%	-49.39%	+49.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.91%	-30.12%	+15.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.88%	14.06%	-11.18%

Volatility

MFOCX vs. ARKK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Marsico Focus Fund (MFOCX) is 4.13%, while ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) has a volatility of 9.45%. This indicates that MFOCX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ARKK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFOCX	ARKK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.13%	9.45%	-5.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.35%	25.08%	-12.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.44%	36.37%	-19.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.61%	46.28%	-23.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.02%	40.26%	-18.24%

MFOCX vs. ARKK - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFOCX has a 1.34% expense ratio, which is higher than ARKK's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFOCX vs. ARKK - Dividend Comparison

MFOCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 16.01%, while ARKK has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKK ARK Innovation ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.70%	0.00%	0.55%	1.64%	0.38%	3.14%	1.32%	0.00%	2.27%
MFOCX Marsico Focus Fund	16.01%	17.81%	11.96%	2.18%	18.06%	11.66%	8.36%	7.90%	11.58%	18.67%	0.00%	24.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFOCX and ARKK in my portfolio?

MFOCX and ARKK have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MFOCX or ARKK?

ARKK has higher volatility (9.45%) compared to MFOCX (4.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFOCX dropped -54.96% vs ARKK's -80.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MFOCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.34 vs 0.96), 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.