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MISLvsARKXETF Comparison
First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF (MISL) belongs to the US Large Cap segment. ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF (ARKX) is part of the Multiple Trends segment. MISL's top 3 sector exposures are Industrials, Communication Services and Information Technology. In contrast, ARKX's top sector exposures are Industrials, Information Technology and Communication Services. MISL is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.6%, versus 0.76% for ARKX. MISL is up 13.74% year-to-date (YTD) with +$75M in YTD flows. ARKX performs worse with 5.2% YTD performance, and +$177M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of MISL and ARKX below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
MISL vs ARKX performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | MISL ARKX | +0.19%-1.43% | +17.53%+9.39% | +13.74%+5.20% | +64.00%+73.50% | +124.44%+134.85% | n/an/a |
| Flows | MISL ARKX | +$78M-$20M | +$1.12B+$228M | +$75M+$177M | +$1.17B+$269M | +$1.26B+$198M | -- |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | MISL ARKX | +26.68%+35.37% | +22.80%+32.34% | +18.37%+25.78% | n/an/a |
| Max drawdown | MISL ARKX | -7.46%-14.39% | -11.76%-19.13% | -17.72%-25.02% | n/an/a |
| Max drawdown duration | MISL ARKX | 50d50d | 30d89d | 184d130d | n/an/a |
MISL | ARKX | |
Last sale 3/11/2026 at 1:30 PM | $48.46 | $31.64 |
| Previous close 03/11/2026 | $48.61 | $31.58 |
| Consolidated volume 03/11/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
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MISL | ARKX | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
MISL | ARKX | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $48.46 | $31.64 |
| 1D performance | -0.31% | +0.19% |
| AuM | $1.55 B | $718.72 M |
| E/R | 0.6% | 0.76% |
MISL | ARKX | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Active |
| Provider | First Trust | Ark Investment |
| Benchmark | Indxx US Aerospace and Defense Index | - |
| N° of holdings | 31 | 28 |
| Asset class | Equities | - |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | October 26, 2022 | March 30, 2021 |
| ESG | No | No |
Countries
Sectors
Diversification
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Top 15 holdings
How have the MISL and ARKX ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 10, 2026, MISL is up 13.74% year-to-date (YTD), while ARKX has returned 5.2%. That puts MISL better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: MISL or ARKX?
Year-to-date, the MISL ETF saw +$75M in flows, compared to +$177M for ARKX.
Which ETF is more volatile: MISL or ARKX?
Over the past year, MISL had a volatility of 22.8%, while ARKX experienced 32.34%.
Which ETF is bigger: MISL or ARKX?
As of March 10, 2026, MISL holds $1.55 B in assets under management (AUM), while ARKX manages $718.72 M.
What sectors do the MISL and ARKX ETFs invest in?
MISL leans toward sectors like Industrials. Meanwhile, ARKX focuses on Industrials and Information Technology.
What are the top holdings of the MISL ETF and ARKX ETF?
MISL top holdings include LOCKHEED MARTIN, RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORD and BOEING U. ARKX holds in its top three: L3 HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, KRATOS DEFENSE AND SECURITY SOLS and TERADYNE.
Which ETF is more diversified: MISL or ARKX?
MISL holds 37 securities with 78% of its assets in the top 15. ARKX has 28 securities and a top 15 weight of 68.94%.
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