SOXX vs. ARKQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) and ARKQ (ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SOXX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the NYSE Semiconductor Index, while ARKQ is a Robotics fund actively managed by ARK. SOXX is passively managed, while ARKQ is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, SOXX returned 36.08%/yr vs 21.62%/yr for ARKQ. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SOXX charges 0.34%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKQ.

Performance

SOXX vs. ARKQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) and ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SOXX achieves a 100.58% return, which is significantly higher than ARKQ's 10.20% return. Over the past 10 years, SOXX has outperformed ARKQ with an annualized return of 36.08%, while ARKQ has yielded a comparatively lower 21.62% annualized return.

SOXX

• 1D: -7.88%
• 1M: 12.35%
• YTD: 100.58%
• 6M: 98.07%
• 1Y: 167.63%
• 3Y*: 56.18%
• 5Y*: 33.69%
• 10Y*: 36.08%

ARKQ

• 1D: -2.83%
• 1M: -7.26%
• YTD: 10.20%
• 6M: 5.80%
• 1Y: 49.50%
• 3Y*: 33.41%
• 5Y*: 8.40%
• 10Y*: 21.62%

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

SOXX vs. ARKQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	100.58%	40.74%	12.92%	67.12%	-35.09%	44.09%	52.72%	62.42%	-6.49%	39.79%
ARKQ ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF	10.20%	48.81%	33.88%	40.70%	-46.75%	1.74%	107.20%	25.94%	-7.89%	52.26%

Correlation

The correlation between SOXX and ARKQ 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	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2014	0.73

The correlation between SOXX and ARKQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

SOXX vs. ARKQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SOXX	ARKQ
Technology	100.0%	33.4%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	8.7%
Consumer Cyclical	-	14.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	1.6%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	1.2%
Industrials	-	39.3%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	1.0%

Return for Risk

SOXX vs. ARKQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

SOXX

SOXX Risk / Return Rank: 95
SOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
SOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
SOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
SOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SOXX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

ARKQ

ARKQ Risk / Return Rank: 43
ARKQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
ARKQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
ARKQ Omega Ratio Rank: 39
ARKQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
ARKQ Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

SOXX vs. ARKQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) and ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ). 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.

	SOXX	ARKQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.28	1.47	+2.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.15	1.99	+2.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.60	1.24	+0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	10.70	2.42	+8.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	38.46	6.99	+31.47

SOXX vs. ARKQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SOXX Sharpe Ratio is 4.28, which is higher than the ARKQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SOXX and ARKQ, 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

SOXX vs. ARKQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SOXX drawdown since its inception was -70.21%, which is greater than ARKQ's maximum drawdown of -59.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SOXX and ARKQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SOXX	ARKQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.21%	-59.89%	-10.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.77%	-20.58%	+4.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-41.36%	-30.76%	-10.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.75%	-55.71%	+9.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.75%	-59.89%	+14.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.88%	-12.14%	+4.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.94%	-17.20%	-2.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.38%	7.10%	-2.72%

Volatility

SOXX vs. ARKQ - Volatility Comparison

iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) has a higher volatility of 22.75% compared to ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) at 12.96%. This indicates that SOXX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ARKQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SOXX	ARKQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	22.75%	12.96%	+9.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	33.44%	26.26%	+7.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.42%	33.93%	+5.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	37.21%	32.60%	+4.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.00%	30.01%	+3.99%

SOXX vs. ARKQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SOXX has a 0.34% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKQ's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

SOXX vs. ARKQ - Dividend Comparison

SOXX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.24%, which matches ARKQ's 0.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKQ ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF	0.24%	0.27%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.80%	0.86%	0.00%	2.86%	1.54%	0.00%	0.98%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	0.24%	0.57%	0.67%	0.78%	1.26%	0.64%	0.81%	1.23%	1.37%	0.90%	1.08%	1.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SOXX and ARKQ in my portfolio?

SOXX and ARKQ 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, SOXX or ARKQ?

SOXX has higher volatility (22.75%) compared to ARKQ (12.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SOXX dropped -70.21% vs ARKQ's -59.89%.

Which ETF is better, SOXX or ARKQ?

On 10-year performance, SOXX leads with 36.08% vs 21.62% for ARKQ. On fees, SOXX is cheaper at 0.34% per year. On volatility, ARKQ has been the lower-risk option at 12.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SOXX or ARKQ?

Over the 10-year period, SOXX has performed better with a 36.08% return vs 21.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SOXX or ARKQ?

SOXX is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SOXX or ARKQ?

SOXX and ARKQ have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.24%.

What is the main difference between SOXX and ARKQ?

SOXX is categorized as Semiconductors, while ARKQ is Robotics. They also come from different issuers: iShares and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.34% for SOXX and 0.75% for ARKQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.28 vs 1.47), 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.