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CARKvsVUGETF Comparison
CastleArk Large Growth ETF (CARK) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) belong to the same industry segment: US Large Cap Growth. Both ETFs have the same top 3 sector exposures: Information Technology, Communication Services and Consumer Discretionary. CARK is more expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.54%, versus 0.03% for VUG. CARK is down -3.66% year-to-date (YTD) with -$31M in YTD flows. VUG performs worse with -6.69% YTD performance, and +$3.90B in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of CARK and VUG below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
CARK vs VUG performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | CARK VUG | -1.76%-1.06% | -4.32%-6.09% | -3.66%-6.69% | +20.63%+21.31% | n/a+102.71% | n/a+83.46% |
| Flows | CARK VUG | -$31M+$637M | -$31M+$4.96B | -$31M+$3.90B | -$73M+$18.45B | -+$38.57B | -+$53.44B |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | CARK VUG | +17.19%+15.63% | +22.69%+22.91% | n/a+19.25% | n/a+22.39% |
| Max drawdown | CARK VUG | -7.19%-8.03% | -15.20%-15.98% | n/a-23.03% | n/a-35.61% |
| Max drawdown duration | CARK VUG | 63d77d | 45d45d | n/a126d | n/a756d |
CARK | VUG | |
Last sale 3/13/2026 at 1:30 PM | $41.14 | $450.21 |
| Previous close 03/12/2026 | $41.64 | $455.30 |
| Consolidated volume 03/12/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
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CARK | VUG | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
CARK | VUG | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $41.14 | $450.21 |
| 1D performance | -1.21% | -1.12% |
| AuM | $269.79 M | $193.66 B |
| E/R | 0.54% | 0.03% |
CARK | VUG | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Active | Passive |
| Provider | CastleArk Management | Vanguard |
| Benchmark | - | CRSP U.S. Large Cap Growth Index |
| N° of holdings | 28 | 141 |
| Asset class | - | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | December 6, 2023 | January 26, 2004 |
| ESG | No | No |
Countries
Sectors
Diversification
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Top 15 holdings
How have the CARK and VUG ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 11, 2026, CARK is down -3.66% year-to-date (YTD), while VUG has lost -6.69%. That puts CARK better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: CARK or VUG?
Year-to-date, the CARK ETF saw -$31M in flows, compared to +$3.90B for VUG.
Which ETF is more volatile: CARK or VUG?
Over the past year, CARK had a volatility of 22.69%, while VUG experienced 22.91%.
Which ETF is bigger: CARK or VUG?
As of March 11, 2026, CARK holds $269.79 M in assets under management (AUM), while VUG manages $193.66 B.
What sectors do the CARK and VUG ETFs invest in?
CARK leans toward sectors like Information Technology, Communication Services and Consumer Discretionary. Meanwhile, VUG focuses on Information Technology, Communication Services and Consumer Discretionary.
What are the top holdings of the CARK ETF and VUG ETF?
CARK top holdings include NVIDIA, ALPHABET INC-CL and MICROSOFT-T. VUG holds in its top three: NVIDIA, APPLE and MICROSOFT-T.
Which ETF is more diversified: CARK or VUG?
CARK holds 29 securities with 78.18% of its assets in the top 15. VUG has 150 securities and a top 15 weight of 71%.
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