CARK vs QQQ
CastleArk Large Growth ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CARK | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $315M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.86% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.69% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | CastleArk Management LLC | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CARK vs QQQ Performance
CastleArk Large Growth ETF (CARK) is a ETF from CastleArk Management LLC and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CARK returned +14.69% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, CARK is up 10.86% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 17.1% for CARK. 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 -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.93. 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 QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $18 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CARK currently yields 0.01% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CARK and QQQ share 15 holdings out of 115 unique holdings combined, representing a 38.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CARK or QQQ?
CARK has an expense ratio of 0.54% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CARK or QQQ?
Over the past year CARK returned +14.69% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CARK annualized +19.48% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CARK or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.1% for CARK. Worst drawdown: CARK -25.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CARK and QQQ?
CARK and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 QQQ?
CARK and QQQ share 15 common holdings with a 38.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 115 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CARK or QQQ?
CARK yields 0.01% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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