Compare ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF (ARKX) vs Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB) Price & Performance
Price performance
Price movement over the last 24 hours
Key statistics
Key statistics
ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF vs Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund — how do they compare? ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF trades at $31.76, while Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund trades at $50.83. The key difference: Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund is trading nearer its 52-week high, ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ARKX | XLB | |
|---|---|---|
Sector | Sector/Thematic | — |
52-Week High | $37.74 | $53.62 |
52-Week Low | $24.97 | $42.23 |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) trades at $32.05, down 0.82% today amid bearish technical signals. The ETF shows neutral oscillator readings but bearish moving averages, with key support at $32 and resistance at $33. Recent news highlights ARKX as a popular alternative to direct SpaceX investment, with the space economy reaching $500 billion in backlog according to 24/7 Wall Street (2026-07-06).
ARKX offers diversified exposure to the growing space sector without single-stock IPO risk. The ETF's higher volatility and expense ratio compared to traditional aerospace ETFs present both growth potential and increased risk. SpaceX's 8.31% weighting provides significant upside exposure but also concentration risk in a high-valuation name.
XLB, the State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF, trades at $50.89 with a 1.21% daily gain. Technical indicators signal a bearish trend with moving averages showing sell pressure, while oscillators remain neutral. Recent news highlights materials sector capital inflows and geopolitical impacts on supply chains. The ETF provides diversified exposure to U.S. materials companies, with a dividend scheduled for June 2026.
Outlook remains cautious due to bearish technicals and geopolitical sensitivity. Investment appeal hinges on sector earnings growth potential amid inflation and supply disruptions. Key risks include macroeconomic volatility and concentrated sector exposure, requiring careful risk assessment for equity investors.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
About ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF
ARKX is an actively managed ETF that invests in companies leading space exploration and defense innovation. It focuses on orbital and sub-orbital aerospace, reusable rockets, and enabling technologies like AI, robotics, and satellite systems.
Read more on ARKX →About Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund
In seeking to track the performance of the index, the fund employs a replication strategy. It generally invests substantially all, but at least 95%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the index. The index includes securities of companies from the following industries: chemicals; metals and mining; paper and forest products; containers and packaging; and construction materials. The fund is non-diversified.
Read more on XLB →
