PLTU vs. ARKW

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

PLTU (Direxion Daily PLTR Bull 2X ETF) and ARKW (ARK Next Generation Internet ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PLTU is a Leveraged Equities fund actively managed by Direxion, while ARKW is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by ARK. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, PLTU returned -42.39% vs -0.73% for ARKW. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PLTU charges 0.86%/yr vs 0.76%/yr for ARKW.

Performance

PLTU vs. ARKW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily PLTR Bull 2X ETF (PLTU) 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, PLTU achieves a -57.34% return, which is significantly lower than ARKW's -1.18% return.

PLTU

• 1D: 5.10%
• 1M: -0.37%
• 6M: -57.71%
• YTD: -57.34%
• 1Y: -42.39%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ARKW

• 1D: -1.64%
• 1M: 3.33%
• 6M: -3.68%
• YTD: -1.18%
• 1Y: -0.73%
• 3Y*: 31.55%
• 5Y*: 0.74%
• 10Y*: 22.18%

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

PLTU vs. ARKW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PLTU Direxion Daily PLTR Bull 2X ETF	-57.34%	223.17%	14.77%
ARKW ARK Next Generation Internet ETF	-1.18%	38.93%	-5.06%

Correlation

The correlation between PLTU and ARKW is 0.61, 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	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2024	0.66

The correlation between PLTU and ARKW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

PLTU vs. ARKW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PLTU	ARKW
Technology	100.0%	48.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	11.8%
Consumer Cyclical	-	14.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	13.6%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	4.5%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PLTU vs. ARKW — Risk / Return Rank

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

PLTU

PLTU Risk / Return Rank: 6
PLTU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
PLTU Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
PLTU Omega Ratio Rank: 8
PLTU Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
PLTU Martin Ratio Rank: 5

ARKW

ARKW Risk / Return Rank: 9
ARKW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
ARKW Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
ARKW Omega Ratio Rank: 10
ARKW Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
ARKW Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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.

PLTU vs. ARKW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily PLTR Bull 2X ETF (PLTU) 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.

	PLTU	ARKW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.41	-0.02	-0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.02	0.20	-0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.02	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.54	-0.02	-0.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.93	-0.04	-0.89

PLTU vs. ARKW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PLTU Sharpe Ratio is -0.41, which is lower than the ARKW Sharpe Ratio of -0.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PLTU 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

PLTU vs. ARKW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PLTU drawdown since its inception was -79.43%, roughly equal to the maximum ARKW drawdown of -80.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PLTU and ARKW.

Drawdown Indicators

	PLTU	ARKW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-79.43%	-80.52%	+1.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-79.43%	-36.21%	-43.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-36.21%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-77.36%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-80.52%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-70.34%	-20.80%	-49.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.38%	-23.95%	-10.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	45.48%	18.67%	+26.81%

Volatility

PLTU vs. ARKW - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily PLTR Bull 2X ETF (PLTU) has a higher volatility of 32.91% compared to ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW) at 9.87%. This indicates that PLTU'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

	PLTU	ARKW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	32.91%	9.87%	+23.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	79.51%	25.38%	+54.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	103.12%	33.26%	+69.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	125.99%	43.72%	+82.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	125.99%	37.78%	+88.21%

PLTU vs. ARKW - Expense Ratio Comparison

PLTU has a 0.86% expense ratio, which is higher than ARKW's 0.76% expense ratio.

Dividends

PLTU vs. ARKW - Dividend Comparison

PLTU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 55.89%, more than ARKW's 1.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKW ARK Next Generation Internet ETF	1.61%	1.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.17%	1.29%	0.00%	13.05%	2.05%	0.00%	2.29%
PLTU Direxion Daily PLTR Bull 2X ETF	55.89%	23.29%	0.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PLTU and ARKW in my portfolio?

PLTU and ARKW have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PLTU or ARKW?

PLTU has higher volatility (32.91%) compared to ARKW (9.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PLTU dropped -79.43% vs ARKW's -80.52%.

Which ETF is better, PLTU or ARKW?

On 1-year performance, ARKW leads with -0.73% vs -42.39% for PLTU. On fees, ARKW is cheaper at 0.76% per year. On volatility, ARKW has been the lower-risk option at 9.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PLTU or ARKW?

Over the 1-year period, ARKW has performed better with a -0.73% return vs -42.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PLTU or ARKW?

ARKW is cheaper with a 0.76% expense ratio, compared with 0.86% for PLTU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PLTU or ARKW?

PLTU has the higher dividend yield at 55.89%, compared with 1.61% for ARKW.

What is the main difference between PLTU and ARKW?

PLTU is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while ARKW is Mid Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: Direxion and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.86% for PLTU and 0.76% for ARKW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.02 vs -0.41), 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.