UPSD vs. ARKG

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

UPSD (Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF) and ARKG (ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - UPSD is a Actively Managed fund actively managed by Aptus, while ARKG is a Health & Biotech Equities fund actively managed by ARK. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, UPSD returned 17.13% vs 64.94% for ARKG. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. UPSD charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKG.

Performance

UPSD vs. ARKG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF (UPSD) and ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF (ARKG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, UPSD achieves a 8.09% return, which is significantly lower than ARKG's 48.43% return.

UPSD

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 4.68%
• 6M: 6.70%
• YTD: 8.09%
• 1Y: 17.13%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ARKG

• 1D: 2.70%
• 1M: 28.13%
• 6M: 39.11%
• YTD: 48.43%
• 1Y: 64.94%
• 3Y*: 7.24%
• 5Y*: -13.62%
• 10Y*: 9.86%

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

UPSD vs. ARKG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
UPSD Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF	8.09%	12.83%	-4.67%
ARKG ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF	48.43%	23.04%	0.79%

Correlation

The correlation between UPSD and ARKG is 0.53, 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	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 21, 2024	0.54

The correlation between UPSD and ARKG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.53 to 0.54 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

UPSD vs. ARKG — Risk / Return Rank

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

UPSD

UPSD Risk / Return Rank: 40
UPSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
UPSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
UPSD Omega Ratio Rank: 40
UPSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
UPSD Martin Ratio Rank: 43

ARKG

ARKG Risk / Return Rank: 53
ARKG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
ARKG Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
ARKG Omega Ratio Rank: 49
ARKG Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
ARKG Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

UPSD vs. ARKG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF (UPSD) and ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF (ARKG). 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.

	UPSD	ARKG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	1.52	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.67	2.22	-0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.25	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.44	2.37	-0.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.66	5.65	+0.01

UPSD vs. ARKG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UPSD Sharpe Ratio is 1.20, which is comparable to the ARKG Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UPSD and ARKG, 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

UPSD vs. ARKG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UPSD drawdown since its inception was -23.85%, smaller than the maximum ARKG drawdown of -83.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UPSD and ARKG.

Drawdown Indicators

	UPSD	ARKG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.85%	-83.59%	+59.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.91%	-27.51%	+15.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-51.96%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-79.49%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-83.59%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-61.53%	+61.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.80%	-36.11%	+32.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.03%	11.53%	-8.50%

Volatility

UPSD vs. ARKG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF (UPSD) is 4.36%, while ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF (ARKG) has a volatility of 11.67%. This indicates that UPSD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ARKG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	UPSD	ARKG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.36%	11.67%	-7.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.05%	31.52%	-20.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.30%	43.05%	-28.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.84%	46.11%	-25.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.84%	41.36%	-20.52%

UPSD vs. ARKG - Expense Ratio Comparison

UPSD has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than ARKG's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

UPSD vs. ARKG - Dividend Comparison

UPSD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.66%, while ARKG has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ARKG ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.62%	0.85%	3.14%	0.82%	1.34%
UPSD Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF	0.66%	0.67%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UPSD and ARKG in my portfolio?

UPSD and ARKG have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, UPSD or ARKG?

ARKG has higher volatility (11.67%) compared to UPSD (4.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UPSD dropped -23.85% vs ARKG's -83.59%.

Which ETF is better, UPSD or ARKG?

On 1-year performance, ARKG leads with 64.94% vs 17.13% for UPSD. On fees, ARKG is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, UPSD has been the lower-risk option at 4.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, UPSD or ARKG?

Over the 1-year period, ARKG has performed better with a 64.94% return vs 17.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UPSD or ARKG?

ARKG is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for UPSD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, UPSD or ARKG?

UPSD has the higher dividend yield at 0.66%, compared with 0.00% for ARKG.

What is the main difference between UPSD and ARKG?

UPSD is categorized as Actively Managed, while ARKG is Health & Biotech Equities. They also come from different issuers: Aptus and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for UPSD and 0.75% for ARKG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs 1.20), 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.