CARK vs. ILCB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CARK (Castleark Large Growth ETF) and ILCB (iShares Morningstar U.S. Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. CARK is actively managed, while ILCB is passively managed. Over the past year, CARK returned 22.33% vs 28.03% for ILCB. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CARK charges 0.54%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for ILCB.

Performance

CARK vs. ILCB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Castleark Large Growth ETF (CARK) and iShares Morningstar U.S. Equity ETF (ILCB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CARK achieves a 8.34% return, which is significantly lower than ILCB's 11.12% return.

CARK

• 1D: -1.13%
• 1M: 5.14%
• YTD: 8.34%
• 6M: 8.76%
• 1Y: 22.33%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ILCB

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: 5.29%
• YTD: 11.12%
• 6M: 11.10%
• 1Y: 28.03%
• 3Y*: 22.69%
• 5Y*: 13.45%
• 10Y*: 15.00%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

CARK vs. ILCB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CARK Castleark Large Growth ETF	8.34%	10.84%	26.49%	3.57%
ILCB iShares Morningstar U.S. Equity ETF	11.12%	17.70%	24.96%	4.37%

Correlation

The correlation between CARK and ILCB is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2023	0.89

The correlation between CARK and ILCB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

CARK vs. ILCB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CARK	ILCB
Technology	55.1%	35.5%
Communication Services	15.8%	11.4%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	10.1%
Financial Services	8.5%	11.7%
Healthcare	6.5%	8.6%
Industrials	5.5%	8.6%
Basic Materials	-	1.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.8%
Energy	-	3.5%
Real Estate	-	1.8%
Utilities	-	2.3%

Return for Risk

CARK vs. ILCB — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

CARK

CARK Risk / Return Rank: 34
CARK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
CARK Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
CARK Omega Ratio Rank: 35
CARK Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
CARK Martin Ratio Rank: 32

ILCB

ILCB Risk / Return Rank: 69
ILCB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
ILCB Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
ILCB Omega Ratio Rank: 70
ILCB Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
ILCB Martin Ratio Rank: 75

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

CARK vs. ILCB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Castleark Large Growth ETF (CARK) and iShares Morningstar U.S. Equity ETF (ILCB). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	CARK	ILCB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.32	2.35	-1.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.83	3.20	-1.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.42	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.36	3.10	-1.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.59	14.24	-9.65
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CARK vs. ILCB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CARK Sharpe Ratio is 1.32, which is lower than the ILCB Sharpe Ratio of 2.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CARK and ILCB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CARK	ILCB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.32	2.35	-1.03
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.79	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.97	0.64	+0.34

Drawdowns

CARK vs. ILCB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CARK drawdown since its inception was -25.22%, smaller than the maximum ILCB drawdown of -51.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CARK and ILCB.

Drawdown Indicators

	CARK	ILCB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.22%	-51.53%	+26.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.50%	-9.09%	-7.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.05%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.47%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.30%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.58%	-0.67%	-0.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.44%	-6.24%	+1.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.87%	1.97%	+2.90%

Volatility

CARK vs. ILCB - Volatility Comparison

Castleark Large Growth ETF (CARK) has a higher volatility of 3.92% compared to iShares Morningstar U.S. Equity ETF (ILCB) at 2.88%. This indicates that CARK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ILCB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CARK	ILCB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.92%	2.88%	+1.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.94%	9.10%	+3.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.06%	12.02%	+5.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.70%	17.13%	+3.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.70%	18.16%	+2.54%

CARK vs. ILCB - Expense Ratio Comparison

CARK has a 0.54% expense ratio, which is higher than ILCB's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

CARK vs. ILCB - Dividend Comparison

CARK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, less than ILCB's 0.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CARK Castleark Large Growth ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ILCB iShares Morningstar U.S. Equity ETF	0.97%	1.11%	1.19%	1.43%	1.65%	1.16%	1.26%	2.25%	2.17%	1.81%	1.97%	2.44%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CARK and ILCB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, CARK and ILCB move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, CARK or ILCB?

CARK has higher volatility (3.92%) compared to ILCB (2.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CARK dropped -25.22% vs ILCB's -51.53%.

Which ETF is better, CARK or ILCB?

On 1-year performance, ILCB leads with 28.03% vs 22.33% for CARK. On fees, ILCB is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, ILCB has been the lower-risk option at 2.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CARK or ILCB?

Over the 1-year period, ILCB has performed better with a 28.03% return vs 22.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CARK or ILCB?

ILCB is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.54% for CARK.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CARK or ILCB?

ILCB has the higher dividend yield at 0.97%, compared with 0.01% for CARK.

What is the main difference between CARK and ILCB?

They also come from different issuers: CastleArk and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.54% for CARK and 0.03% for ILCB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ILCB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 vs 1.32), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.