CARK vs VXUS
CARK vs VXUS
CastleArk Large Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CARK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $315M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.59% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.38% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | CastleArk Management LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CARK vs VXUS Performance
CastleArk Large Growth ETF (CARK) is a ETF from CastleArk Management LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CARK returned +16.38% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, CARK is up 10.59% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CARK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CARK charges 0.54% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $5 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CARK currently yields 0.01% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CARK and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7887 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in CARK | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHOP:CA | 0.57% | 0.33% | 0.24% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CARK or VXUS?
CARK has an expense ratio of 0.54% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CARK or VXUS?
Over the past year CARK returned +16.38% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CARK annualized +19.48% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CARK or VXUS?
CARK has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CARK -25.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CARK and VXUS?
CARK and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CARK and VXUS?
CARK and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7887 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CARK or VXUS?
CARK yields 0.01% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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