WDAF vs. ARKX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

WDAF (WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund) and ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds. WDAF is passively managed, while ARKX is actively managed. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. WDAF charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKX.

Performance

WDAF vs. ARKX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund (WDAF) and ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WDAF achieves a 10.54% return, which is significantly lower than ARKX's 13.18% return.

WDAF

• 1D: -5.17%
• 1M: -7.02%
• YTD: 10.54%
• 6M: 9.61%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ARKX

• 1D: -1.68%
• 1M: -7.40%
• YTD: 13.18%
• 6M: 8.86%
• 1Y: 46.62%
• 3Y*: 32.05%
• 5Y*: 9.28%
• 10Y*: —

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

WDAF vs. ARKX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
WDAF WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund	10.54%	-7.71%
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	13.18%	11.50%

Correlation

The correlation between WDAF and ARKX is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 12, 2025	0.47

Return for Risk

WDAF vs. ARKX — Risk / Return Rank

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

WDAF

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

ARKX

ARKX Risk / Return Rank: 40
ARKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
ARKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
ARKX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
ARKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
ARKX Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

WDAF vs. ARKX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund (WDAF) and ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX). 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.

	WDAF	ARKX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.38	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.94	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.23	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.29	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	5.93	—

Drawdowns

WDAF vs. ARKX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WDAF drawdown since its inception was -20.11%, smaller than the maximum ARKX drawdown of -43.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WDAF and ARKX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WDAF	ARKX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.11%	-43.61%	+23.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-20.42%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-25.47%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-43.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.04%	-13.09%	-3.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.70%	-19.87%	+13.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.88%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	WDAF	ARKX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	13.12%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	26.61%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.59%	33.88%	-1.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.59%	28.15%	+4.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.59%	27.71%	+4.88%

WDAF vs. ARKX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WDAF has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKX's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

WDAF vs. ARKX - Dividend Comparison

WDAF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.12%, while ARKX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	0.00%	0.00%
WDAF WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund	0.12%	0.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WDAF and ARKX in my portfolio?

WDAF and ARKX have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, WDAF or ARKX?

On fees, WDAF is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, WDAF or ARKX?

WDAF is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, WDAF or ARKX?

WDAF has the higher dividend yield at 0.12%, compared with 0.00% for ARKX.

What is the main difference between WDAF and ARKX?

They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for WDAF and 0.75% for ARKX.