CARK vs SPY
CastleArk Large Growth ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CARK | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $315M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.33% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.62% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | CastleArk Management LLC | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CARK vs SPY Performance
CastleArk Large Growth ETF (CARK) is a ETF from CastleArk Management LLC and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CARK returned +15.62% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, CARK is up 10.33% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CARK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 SPY. 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 SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $9 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CARK currently yields 0.01% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CARK and SPY share 25 holdings out of 505 unique holdings combined, representing a 37.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CARK or SPY?
CARK has an expense ratio of 0.54% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CARK or SPY?
Over the past year CARK returned +15.62% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CARK annualized +19.31% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CARK or SPY?
CARK has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CARK -25.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CARK and SPY?
CARK and SPY 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 SPY?
CARK and SPY share 25 common holdings with a 37.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CARK or SPY?
CARK yields 0.01% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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