CARK vs SCHD
CastleArk Large Growth ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CARK | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $315M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +10.86% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.69% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | CastleArk Management LLC | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
CARK vs SCHD Performance
CastleArk Large Growth ETF (CARK) is a ETF from CastleArk Management LLC and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year CARK returned +14.69% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, CARK is up 10.86% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CARK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CARK charges 0.54% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $6 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CARK currently yields 0.01% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
CARK and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 127 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CARK or SCHD?
CARK has an expense ratio of 0.54% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CARK or SCHD?
Over the past year CARK returned +14.69% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CARK annualized +19.48% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CARK or SCHD?
CARK has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: CARK -25.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both CARK and SCHD?
CARK and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CARK and SCHD?
CARK and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 127 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CARK or SCHD?
CARK yields 0.01% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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