CARK vs VTI
CastleArk Large Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CARK | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $315M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.21% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.42% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | CastleArk Management LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
CARK vs VTI Performance
CastleArk Large Growth ETF (CARK) is a ETF from CastleArk Management LLC and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CARK returned +15.42% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, CARK is up 11.21% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CARK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% compared with 15.4% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.90. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
CARK and VTI share 26 holdings out of 2784 unique holdings combined, representing a 33.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CARK or VTI?
CARK has an expense ratio of 0.54% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CARK or VTI?
Over the past year CARK returned +15.42% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CARK annualized +19.60% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CARK or VTI?
CARK has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: CARK -25.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CARK and VTI?
CARK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 VTI?
CARK and VTI share 26 common holdings with a 33.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CARK or VTI?
CARK yields 0.01% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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