SKYY vs. ARKX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SKYY (First Trust ISE Cloud Computing Index Fund) and ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SKYY is a Technology Equities fund tracking the ISE Cloud Computing Index, while ARKX is a Aerospace & Defense fund actively managed by ARK. SKYY is passively managed, while ARKX is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, SKYY returned 5.69%/yr vs 10.38%/yr for ARKX. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SKYY charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKX.

Performance

SKYY vs. ARKX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust ISE Cloud Computing Index Fund (SKYY) 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, SKYY achieves a 3.03% return, which is significantly lower than ARKX's 16.56% return.

SKYY

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 6.69%
• YTD: 3.03%
• 6M: 1.79%
• 1Y: 13.95%
• 3Y*: 20.38%
• 5Y*: 5.69%
• 10Y*: 16.26%

ARKX

• 1D: -1.94%
• 1M: -2.96%
• YTD: 16.56%
• 6M: 17.78%
• 1Y: 52.99%
• 3Y*: 31.55%
• 5Y*: 10.38%
• 10Y*: —

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

SKYY vs. ARKX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SKYY First Trust ISE Cloud Computing Index Fund	3.03%	9.20%	35.87%	52.18%	-44.68%	11.33%
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	16.56%	48.46%	26.67%	24.37%	-34.27%	-8.05%

Correlation

The correlation between SKYY and ARKX is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 30, 2021	0.74

Over the past year, the correlation between SKYY and ARKX has dropped to 0.48 - well below their long-term average of 0.74, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

SKYY vs. ARKX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SKYY	ARKX
Technology	88.9%	27.4%
Communication Services	4.8%	7.6%
Consumer Cyclical	1.6%	7.8%
Healthcare	1.6%	1.5%
Industrials	1.6%	55.7%
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SKYY vs. ARKX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SKYY

SKYY Risk / Return Rank: 17
SKYY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
SKYY Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
SKYY Omega Ratio Rank: 18
SKYY Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
SKYY Martin Ratio Rank: 15

ARKX

ARKX Risk / Return Rank: 51
ARKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
ARKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
ARKX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
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.

SKYY vs. ARKX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust ISE Cloud Computing Index Fund (SKYY) 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.

	SKYY	ARKX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.49	1.59	-1.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.89	2.15	-1.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.26	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.51	2.61	-2.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.13	6.87	-5.74

SKYY vs. ARKX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SKYY Sharpe Ratio is 0.49, which is lower than the ARKX Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SKYY 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

SKYY vs. ARKX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SKYY drawdown since its inception was -53.20%, which is greater than ARKX's maximum drawdown of -43.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SKYY and ARKX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SKYY	ARKX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.20%	-43.61%	-9.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.39%	-20.42%	-6.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.80%	-25.47%	-6.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-53.20%	-43.61%	-9.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-53.20%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.63%	-10.49%	-3.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.90%	-19.92%	+9.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	12.34%	7.74%	+4.60%

Volatility

SKYY vs. ARKX - Volatility Comparison

First Trust ISE Cloud Computing Index Fund (SKYY) and ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) have volatilities of 13.09% and 12.77%, 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

	SKYY	ARKX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.09%	12.77%	+0.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.88%	26.51%	-2.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.45%	33.50%	-5.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.67%	28.02%	+2.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.90%	27.65%	-0.75%

SKYY vs. ARKX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SKYY has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKX's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

SKYY vs. ARKX - Dividend Comparison

Neither SKYY nor ARKX has 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%
SKYY First Trust ISE Cloud Computing Index Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.23%	0.78%	0.17%	0.54%	0.37%	0.27%	0.35%	0.41%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SKYY and ARKX in my portfolio?

SKYY and ARKX have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SKYY or ARKX?

SKYY has higher volatility (13.09%) compared to ARKX (12.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SKYY dropped -53.20% vs ARKX's -43.61%.

Which ETF is better, SKYY or ARKX?

On 5-year performance, ARKX leads with 10.38% vs 5.69% for SKYY. On fees, SKYY is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, ARKX has been the lower-risk option at 12.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SKYY or ARKX?

Over the 5-year period, ARKX has performed better with a 10.38% return vs 5.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SKYY or ARKX?

SKYY is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKX.

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

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

What is the main difference between SKYY and ARKX?

SKYY is categorized as Technology Equities, while ARKX is Aerospace & Defense. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for SKYY and 0.75% for ARKX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 vs 0.49), 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.