SPHQ vs. ARKK

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

SPHQ (Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF) and ARKK (ARK Innovation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SPHQ is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Quality Index, while ARKK is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by ARK. SPHQ is passively managed, while ARKK is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, SPHQ returned 15.47%/yr vs 15.97%/yr for ARKK. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SPHQ charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKK.

Performance

SPHQ vs. ARKK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (SPHQ) 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, SPHQ achieves a 18.64% return, which is significantly higher than ARKK's 3.52% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with SPHQ having a 15.47% annualized return and ARKK not far ahead at 15.97%.

SPHQ

• 1D: 1.58%
• 1M: 7.41%
• YTD: 18.64%
• 6M: 17.69%
• 1Y: 28.53%
• 3Y*: 22.52%
• 5Y*: 15.06%
• 10Y*: 15.47%

ARKK

• 1D: 5.26%
• 1M: 6.32%
• YTD: 3.52%
• 6M: 0.53%
• 1Y: 28.04%
• 3Y*: 21.92%
• 5Y*: -6.75%
• 10Y*: 15.97%

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

SPHQ vs. ARKK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SPHQ Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF	18.64%	13.25%	25.44%	24.83%	-15.76%	28.03%	17.36%	33.64%	-7.10%	19.10%
ARKK ARK Innovation ETF	3.52%	35.49%	8.40%	69.04%	-66.97%	-23.60%	152.71%	35.08%	3.52%	87.33%

Correlation

The correlation between SPHQ and ARKK is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2014	0.61

The correlation between SPHQ and ARKK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.62 - a consistent structural relationship.

SPHQ vs. ARKK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPHQ	ARKK
Technology	33.1%	25.9%
Industrials	20.7%	5.7%
Consumer Defensive	14.7%	-
Financial Services	12.6%	16.2%
Healthcare	8.0%	28.1%
Consumer Cyclical	4.4%	14.1%
Utilities	3.4%	-
Basic Materials	2.0%	-
Energy	0.7%	-
Communication Services	0.4%	10.0%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

SPHQ vs. ARKK — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPHQ

SPHQ Risk / Return Rank: 75
SPHQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
SPHQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
SPHQ Omega Ratio Rank: 71
SPHQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
SPHQ Martin Ratio Rank: 79

ARKK

ARKK Risk / Return Rank: 23
ARKK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
ARKK Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
ARKK Omega Ratio Rank: 23
ARKK Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
ARKK Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

SPHQ vs. ARKK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (SPHQ) 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.

	SPHQ	ARKK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.18	0.77	+1.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.13	1.26	+1.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.15	+0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.22	0.90	+2.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.80	1.95	+11.85

SPHQ vs. ARKK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPHQ Sharpe Ratio is 2.18, which is higher than the ARKK Sharpe Ratio of 0.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPHQ 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

SPHQ vs. ARKK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPHQ drawdown since its inception was -57.83%, smaller than the maximum ARKK drawdown of -80.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPHQ and ARKK.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPHQ	ARKK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.83%	-80.97%	+23.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	-31.35%	+22.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.57%	-39.56%	+22.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.04%	-77.23%	+52.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.60%	-80.97%	+49.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-48.44%	+48.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.68%	-30.17%	+19.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.07%	14.41%	-12.34%

Volatility

SPHQ vs. ARKK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (SPHQ) is 5.05%, while ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) has a volatility of 12.94%. This indicates that SPHQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ARKK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPHQ	ARKK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.05%	12.94%	-7.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.88%	26.77%	-15.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.16%	36.63%	-23.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.55%	46.45%	-29.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.91%	40.39%	-22.48%

SPHQ vs. ARKK - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPHQ has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKK's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPHQ vs. ARKK - Dividend Comparison

SPHQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, while ARKK has not 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%
SPHQ Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF	1.01%	1.09%	1.15%	1.42%	1.85%	1.19%	1.55%	1.51%	1.85%	1.57%	1.67%	2.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPHQ and ARKK in my portfolio?

SPHQ and ARKK have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPHQ or ARKK?

ARKK has higher volatility (12.94%) compared to SPHQ (5.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPHQ dropped -57.83% vs ARKK's -80.97%.

Which ETF is better, SPHQ or ARKK?

On 10-year performance, ARKK leads with 15.97% vs 15.47% for SPHQ. On fees, SPHQ is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, SPHQ has been the lower-risk option at 5.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPHQ or ARKK?

Over the 10-year period, ARKK has performed better with a 15.97% return vs 15.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPHQ or ARKK?

SPHQ is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKK.

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

SPHQ has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.00% for ARKK.

What is the main difference between SPHQ and ARKK?

SPHQ is categorized as S&P 500, while ARKK is Technology Equities. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for SPHQ and 0.75% for ARKK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPHQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.18 vs 0.77), 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.