CARK vs IVV
CastleArk Large Growth ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CARK | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $315M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +10.33% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.62% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | CastleArk Management LLC | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2023 | May 15, 2000 |
CARK vs IVV Performance
CastleArk Large Growth ETF (CARK) is a ETF from CastleArk Management LLC and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year CARK returned +15.62% while IVV returned +23.01%. Year to date, CARK is up 10.33% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CARK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% compared with 15.1% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -25.2% for CARK and -56.5% for IVV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CARK charges 0.54% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $3 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CARK currently yields 0.01% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
CARK and IVV share 24 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 37.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CARK or IVV?
CARK has an expense ratio of 0.54% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CARK or IVV?
Over the past year CARK returned +15.62% vs +23.01% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CARK annualized +19.31% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CARK or IVV?
CARK has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: CARK -25.2% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both CARK and IVV?
CARK and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between CARK and IVV?
CARK and IVV share 24 common holdings with a 37.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CARK or IVV?
CARK yields 0.01% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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