CARK vs VYM
CastleArk Large Growth ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CARK | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $315M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.33% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.62% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | CastleArk Management LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CARK vs VYM Performance
CastleArk Large Growth ETF (CARK) is a ETF from CastleArk Management LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CARK returned +15.62% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, CARK is up 10.33% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CARK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $4 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CARK currently yields 0.01% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CARK and VYM share 6 holdings out of 579 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CARK or VYM?
CARK has an expense ratio of 0.54% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CARK or VYM?
Over the past year CARK returned +15.62% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CARK annualized +19.31% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CARK or VYM?
CARK has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CARK -25.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CARK and VYM?
CARK and VYM 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 VYM?
CARK and VYM share 6 common holdings with a 6.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 579 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CARK or VYM?
CARK yields 0.01% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.