CARK vs VOO
CastleArk Large Growth ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CARK | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $315M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.59% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.38% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | CastleArk Management LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
CARK vs VOO Performance
CastleArk Large Growth ETF (CARK) is a ETF from CastleArk Management LLC and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CARK returned +16.38% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, CARK is up 10.59% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CARK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO 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 VOO.
Holdings Overlap
CARK and VOO share 25 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 37.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CARK or VOO?
CARK has an expense ratio of 0.54% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CARK or VOO?
Over the past year CARK returned +16.38% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CARK annualized +19.48% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CARK or VOO?
CARK has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: CARK -25.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both CARK and VOO?
CARK and VOO 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 VOO?
CARK and VOO share 25 common holdings with a 37.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CARK or VOO?
CARK yields 0.01% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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