ARKK vs GDX: returns, risk and drawdowns compared
ARK Innovation ETF against VanEck Gold Miners ETF, over the same 12 years (November 2014 to October 2026) with dividends reinvested.
Data updated October 2026
From November 2014 to October 2026, ARKK returned 13.6% a year and GDX 15.5% a year on average, so GDX came out ahead by 1.9% a year. GDX was the more volatile of the two (37.7% against 36.0% a year), and the deepest falls from a month-end high were 77.1% for ARKK and 43.3% for GDX.
The correlation of monthly returns was 0.18: they moved largely independently. Over 109 rolling 3-year periods, ARKK did better in 50% and GDX in 50%.
Side by side
| ARKK | GDX | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual return (CAGR) | +13.6% | +15.5% |
| Total return | +363% | +464% |
| Annual volatility | 36.0% | 37.7% |
| Maximum drawdown (month-end) | −77.1% | −43.3% |
| Worst month | −28.9% | −22.6% |
| Best month | +31.4% | +40.0% |
| Positive months | 56% | 56% |
| Best year | 2020: +151.9% | 2025: +154.8% |
| Worst year | 2022: −67.0% | 2015: −24.7% |
| 1-year return | −3.6% | +20.0% |
| 5 years, a year | −6.2% | +23.2% |
| 10 years, a year | +16.2% | +14.5% |
| Trading currency | USD | USD |
First nine rows: the same 144 months for both funds. Trailing returns: to each fund’s last close.
Growth of 10,000: ARKK vs GDX
Returns by calendar year
| Year | ARKK | GDX |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +35.5% | +154.8% |
| 2024 | +8.4% | +10.6% |
| 2023 | +69.0% | +10.0% |
| 2022 | −67.0% | −9.0% |
| 2021 | −23.4% | −9.5% |
| 2020 | +151.9% | +23.7% |
| 2019 | +35.1% | +39.8% |
| 2018 | +3.5% | −8.8% |
| 2017 | +87.3% | +12.0% |
| 2016 | −2.0% | +52.9% |
| 2015 | +3.8% | −24.7% |
How the figures are calculated
Total return in the fund’s trading currency, from end-of-day prices with dividends reinvested on the ex-date. The fund’s own ongoing charges are already reflected in its price; trading costs, taxes and currency conversion are not included. Past returns do not predict future returns.
The comparison uses only the months in which both funds have prices, so the figures cover the same period even when one fund is older.
Questions
Which has returned more, ARKK or GDX?
From November 2014 to October 2026, ARKK returned +13.6% a year and GDX +15.5% a year, with dividends reinvested. Over rolling 3-year periods ARKK did better in 50% of cases. Past returns do not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, ARKK or GDX?
Over the same months annual volatility was 36.0% for ARKK and 37.7% for GDX; the deepest fall from a month-end high was 77.1% and 43.3%, and the worst single month −28.9% and −22.6%.
How correlated are ARKK and GDX?
The correlation of their monthly returns was 0.18: they moved largely independently. Combining them has historically smoothed the ups and downs of either one alone.
More comparisons
Source: MarketStack end-of-day prices, total return with dividends reinvested. Figures are historical and descriptive; they are not forecasts and not investment advice. MEDGE Capital does not recommend buying or selling any instrument. Risk disclaimer.