XSW vs. ARKK

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

XSW (SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF) and ARKK (ARK Innovation ETF) are both Technology Equities funds. XSW is passively managed, while ARKK is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, XSW returned 13.25%/yr vs 15.34%/yr for ARKK. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XSW charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKK.

Performance

XSW vs. ARKK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF (XSW) 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, XSW achieves a -4.56% return, which is significantly lower than ARKK's 1.72% return. Over the past 10 years, XSW has underperformed ARKK with an annualized return of 13.25%, while ARKK has yielded a comparatively higher 15.34% annualized return.

XSW

• 1D: 0.88%
• 1M: 7.50%
• 6M: -6.34%
• YTD: -4.56%
• 1Y: -3.96%
• 3Y*: 8.75%
• 5Y*: 1.43%
• 10Y*: 13.25%

ARKK

• 1D: -2.50%
• 1M: 3.42%
• 6M: -5.21%
• YTD: 1.72%
• 1Y: 8.23%
• 3Y*: 17.55%
• 5Y*: -7.66%
• 10Y*: 15.34%

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

XSW vs. ARKK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XSW SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF	-4.56%	-0.90%	25.81%	38.60%	-34.22%	7.47%	52.41%	36.50%	7.67%	27.94%
ARKK ARK Innovation ETF	1.72%	35.49%	8.40%	69.04%	-66.97%	-23.60%	152.71%	35.08%	3.52%	87.33%

Correlation

The correlation between XSW and ARKK is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2014	0.80

The correlation between XSW and ARKK shifts across timeframes, from 0.68 (1 year) to 0.84 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XSW vs. ARKK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XSW	ARKK
Technology	85.9%	25.9%
Financial Services	9.0%	16.2%
Communication Services	2.7%	10.0%
Consumer Cyclical	1.1%	14.1%
Healthcare	0.8%	28.1%
Industrials	0.6%	5.7%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XSW vs. ARKK — Risk / Return Rank

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

XSW

XSW Risk / Return Rank: 8
XSW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
XSW Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
XSW Omega Ratio Rank: 8
XSW Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
XSW Martin Ratio Rank: 8

ARKK

ARKK Risk / Return Rank: 13
ARKK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
ARKK Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
ARKK Omega Ratio Rank: 13
ARKK Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
ARKK Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

XSW vs. ARKK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF (XSW) 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.

	XSW	ARKK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.14	0.23	-0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.01	0.57	-0.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.07	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.12	0.26	-0.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.24	0.55	-0.79

XSW vs. ARKK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XSW Sharpe Ratio is -0.14, which is lower than the ARKK Sharpe Ratio of 0.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XSW 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

XSW vs. ARKK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XSW drawdown since its inception was -45.38%, smaller than the maximum ARKK drawdown of -80.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XSW and ARKK.

Drawdown Indicators

	XSW	ARKK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.38%	-80.97%	+35.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-33.75%	-31.35%	-2.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.75%	-39.56%	+5.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.38%	-76.27%	+30.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.38%	-80.97%	+35.59%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.97%	-49.34%	+36.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.88%	-30.28%	+20.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.67%	14.89%	+1.78%

Volatility

XSW vs. ARKK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF (XSW) is 7.88%, while ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) has a volatility of 10.11%. This indicates that XSW 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

	XSW	ARKK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.88%	10.11%	-2.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.53%	26.97%	-2.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.16%	36.41%	-7.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.04%	46.49%	-17.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.29%	40.41%	-14.12%

XSW vs. ARKK - Expense Ratio Comparison

XSW has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKK's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

XSW vs. ARKK - Dividend Comparison

Neither XSW nor ARKK has 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%
XSW SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF	0.00%	0.06%	0.07%	0.20%	0.09%	0.13%	0.26%	0.12%	0.31%	0.46%	0.87%	0.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XSW and ARKK in my portfolio?

XSW and ARKK have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XSW or ARKK?

ARKK has higher volatility (10.11%) compared to XSW (7.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XSW dropped -45.38% vs ARKK's -80.97%.

Which ETF is better, XSW or ARKK?

On 10-year performance, ARKK leads with 15.34% vs 13.25% for XSW. On fees, XSW is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, XSW has been the lower-risk option at 7.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XSW or ARKK?

Over the 10-year period, ARKK has performed better with a 15.34% return vs 13.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XSW or ARKK?

XSW is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKK.

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

XSW and ARKK have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between XSW and ARKK?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XSW and 0.75% for ARKK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.23 vs -0.14), 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.