SOXL vs. ARKK

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

SOXL (Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF) and ARKK (ARK Innovation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SOXL is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the ICE Semiconductor Index, while ARKK is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by ARK. SOXL is passively managed, while ARKK is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, SOXL returned 68.12%/yr vs 16.31%/yr for ARKK. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.75% expense ratio.

Performance

SOXL vs. ARKK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) 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, SOXL achieves a 501.02% return, which is significantly higher than ARKK's -0.49% return. Over the past 10 years, SOXL has outperformed ARKK with an annualized return of 68.12%, while ARKK has yielded a comparatively lower 16.31% annualized return.

SOXL

• 1D: 10.04%
• 1M: 11.88%
• YTD: 501.02%
• 6M: 471.39%
• 1Y: 928.01%
• 3Y*: 126.70%
• 5Y*: 44.97%
• 10Y*: 68.12%

ARKK

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: -0.89%
• YTD: -0.49%
• 6M: -5.10%
• 1Y: 10.13%
• 3Y*: 22.58%
• 5Y*: -9.16%
• 10Y*: 16.31%

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

SOXL vs. ARKK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	501.02%	54.91%	-12.31%	226.98%	-85.66%	118.84%	70.04%	231.83%	-39.07%	141.71%
ARKK ARK Innovation ETF	-0.49%	35.49%	8.40%	69.04%	-66.97%	-23.60%	152.71%	35.08%	3.52%	87.33%

Correlation

The correlation between SOXL and ARKK is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2014	0.65

The correlation between SOXL and ARKK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

SOXL vs. ARKK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SOXL	ARKK
Technology	100.0%	25.9%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	10.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	14.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	16.2%
Healthcare	-	28.1%
Industrials	-	5.7%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SOXL vs. ARKK — Risk / Return Rank

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

SOXL

SOXL Risk / Return Rank: 97
SOXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
SOXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
SOXL Omega Ratio Rank: 93
SOXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
SOXL Martin Ratio Rank: 98

ARKK

ARKK Risk / Return Rank: 13
ARKK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
ARKK Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
ARKK Omega Ratio Rank: 13
ARKK Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
ARKK Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

SOXL vs. ARKK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) 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.

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.

	SOXL	ARKK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	8.03	0.28	+7.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.97	0.64	+3.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	1.07	+0.50
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	21.57	0.32	+21.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	68.63	0.69	+67.93

SOXL vs. ARKK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SOXL Sharpe Ratio is 8.03, which is higher than the ARKK Sharpe Ratio of 0.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SOXL 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.

Drawdowns

SOXL vs. ARKK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SOXL drawdown since its inception was -90.46%, which is greater than ARKK's maximum drawdown of -80.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SOXL and ARKK.

Drawdown Indicators

	SOXL	ARKK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-90.46%	-80.97%	-9.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-43.47%	-31.35%	-12.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-87.88%	-39.56%	-48.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-90.46%	-77.23%	-13.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-90.46%	-80.97%	-9.49%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.01%	-50.44%	+34.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.94%	-30.21%	-4.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.64%	14.65%	-1.01%

Volatility

SOXL vs. ARKK - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) has a higher volatility of 66.73% compared to ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) at 12.48%. This indicates that SOXL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ARKK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SOXL	ARKK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	66.73%	12.48%	+54.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	99.97%	26.59%	+73.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	116.70%	36.11%	+80.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	110.41%	46.46%	+63.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	100.63%	40.39%	+60.24%

SOXL vs. ARKK - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SOXL and ARKK have an expense ratio of 0.75%.

Dividends

SOXL vs. ARKK - Dividend Comparison

Neither SOXL nor ARKK has 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%
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	0.00%	0.34%	1.18%	0.51%	1.07%	0.04%	0.05%	0.38%	1.30%	0.09%	4.84%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SOXL and ARKK in my portfolio?

SOXL and ARKK have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SOXL or ARKK?

SOXL has higher volatility (66.73%) compared to ARKK (12.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SOXL dropped -90.46% vs ARKK's -80.97%.

Which ETF is better, SOXL or ARKK?

On 10-year performance, SOXL leads with 68.12% vs 16.31% for ARKK. Both ETFs have the same 0.75% expense ratio. On volatility, ARKK has been the lower-risk option at 12.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SOXL or ARKK?

Over the 10-year period, SOXL has performed better with a 68.12% return vs 16.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SOXL or ARKK?

SOXL and ARKK have the same expense ratio: 0.75% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SOXL or ARKK?

SOXL and ARKK have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between SOXL and ARKK?

SOXL is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while ARKK is Technology Equities. They also come from different issuers: Direxion and ARK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (8.03 vs 0.28), 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.