VT vs. ARKF

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VT (Vanguard Total World Stock ETF) and ARKF (ARK Fintech Innovation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VT is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap Index, while ARKF is a Blockchain fund actively managed by ARK. VT is passively managed, while ARKF is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VT returned 10.65%/yr vs -5.06%/yr for ARKF. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VT charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKF.

Performance

VT vs. ARKF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) and ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VT achieves a 11.06% return, which is significantly higher than ARKF's -18.31% return.

VT

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 0.17%
• YTD: 11.06%
• 6M: 11.82%
• 1Y: 27.43%
• 3Y*: 19.71%
• 5Y*: 10.65%
• 10Y*: 12.93%

ARKF

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -7.34%
• YTD: -18.31%
• 6M: -21.31%
• 1Y: -11.63%
• 3Y*: 23.97%
• 5Y*: -5.06%
• 10Y*: —

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

VT vs. ARKF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	11.06%	22.43%	16.49%	22.02%	-18.00%	18.27%	16.59%	17.41%
ARKF ARK Fintech Innovation ETF	-18.31%	28.67%	34.34%	93.27%	-65.07%	-17.82%	108.03%	20.45%

Correlation

The correlation between VT and ARKF is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 4, 2019	0.75

The correlation between VT and ARKF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

VT vs. ARKF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VT	ARKF
Technology	27.8%	39.8%
Financial Services	15.9%	25.2%
Industrials	12.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	13.4%
Communication Services	8.3%	9.8%
Healthcare	8.1%	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	-
Energy	4.3%	-
Basic Materials	4.2%	-
Utilities	2.7%	-
Real Estate	2.4%	-

Return for Risk

VT vs. ARKF — Risk / Return Rank

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

VT

VT Risk / Return Rank: 68
VT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VT Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VT Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VT Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VT Martin Ratio Rank: 72

ARKF

ARKF Risk / Return Rank: 7
ARKF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
ARKF Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
ARKF Omega Ratio Rank: 7
ARKF Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
ARKF Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

VT vs. ARKF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) and ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF). 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.

	VT	ARKF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	-0.35	+2.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	-0.28	+2.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	0.97	+0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.68	-0.31	+2.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.67	-0.57	+12.24

VT vs. ARKF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VT Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is higher than the ARKF Sharpe Ratio of -0.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VT and ARKF, 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

VT vs. ARKF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VT drawdown since its inception was -50.27%, smaller than the maximum ARKF drawdown of -78.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VT and ARKF.

Drawdown Indicators

	VT	ARKF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.27%	-78.63%	+28.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.67%	-38.50%	+28.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.51%	-38.50%	+21.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.38%	-75.30%	+48.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.24%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.92%	-38.77%	+36.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.01%	-34.95%	+27.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.22%	21.00%	-18.78%

Volatility

VT vs. ARKF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is 5.26%, while ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF) has a volatility of 10.36%. This indicates that VT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ARKF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VT	ARKF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.26%	10.36%	-5.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.01%	25.14%	-14.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.38%	33.69%	-20.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.15%	42.87%	-26.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.27%	39.77%	-22.50%

VT vs. ARKF - Expense Ratio Comparison

VT has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKF's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

VT vs. ARKF - Dividend Comparison

VT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.61%, more than ARKF's 0.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKF ARK Fintech Innovation ETF	0.11%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.37%	1.25%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	1.61%	1.82%	1.95%	2.08%	2.20%	1.82%	1.66%	2.32%	2.53%	2.11%	2.39%	2.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VT and ARKF in my portfolio?

VT and ARKF have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VT or ARKF?

ARKF has higher volatility (10.36%) compared to VT (5.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VT dropped -50.27% vs ARKF's -78.63%.

Which ETF is better, VT or ARKF?

On 5-year performance, VT leads with 10.65% vs -5.06% for ARKF. On fees, VT is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, VT has been the lower-risk option at 5.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VT or ARKF?

Over the 5-year period, VT has performed better with a 10.65% return vs -5.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VT or ARKF?

VT is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VT or ARKF?

VT has the higher dividend yield at 1.61%, compared with 0.11% for ARKF.

What is the main difference between VT and ARKF?

VT is categorized as Global Equities, while ARKF is Blockchain. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for VT and 0.75% for ARKF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs -0.35), 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.