NASA vs. ARKX

Last updated Jun 8, 2026

NASA (Tema Space Innovators ETF) and ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.75% expense ratio.

Performance

NASA vs. ARKX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

NASA

• 1D: -9.48%
• 1M: 1.71%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ARKX

• 1D: -6.38%
• 1M: -0.87%
• YTD: 17.46%
• 6M: 19.82%
• 1Y: 56.58%
• 3Y*: 33.13%
• 5Y*: 10.39%
• 10Y*: —

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

NASA vs. ARKX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
NASA Tema Space Innovators ETF	29.65%
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	15.98%

Correlation

The correlation between NASA and ARKX is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 2026	0.85

Return for Risk

NASA vs. ARKX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARKX

ARKX Risk / Return Rank: 54
ARKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
ARKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
ARKX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
ARKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
ARKX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

NASA vs. ARKX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tema Space Innovators ETF (NASA) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NASA	ARKX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.89	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.37	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	5.20	0.38	+4.81

Drawdowns

NASA vs. ARKX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NASA drawdown since its inception was -22.08%, smaller than the maximum ARKX drawdown of -43.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NASA and ARKX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NASA	ARKX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.08%	-43.61%	+21.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-20.42%	—
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	-22.08%	-9.80%	-12.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.70%	-19.97%	+16.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.60%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NASA	ARKX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	12.24%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	25.81%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	61.27%	33.16%	+28.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	61.27%	27.86%	+33.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	61.27%	27.55%	+33.72%

NASA vs. ARKX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both NASA and ARKX have an expense ratio of 0.75%.

Dividends

NASA vs. ARKX - Dividend Comparison

Neither NASA nor ARKX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NASA and ARKX in my portfolio?

NASA and ARKX have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NASA or ARKX?

Both ETFs have the same 0.75% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NASA or ARKX?

NASA and ARKX have the same expense ratio: 0.75% per year.

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

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

What is the main difference between NASA and ARKX?

They also come from different issuers: Tema and ARK.