CTEF vs IVV
Castellan Targeted Equity ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. CTEF delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CTEF | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $661M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.06% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 47 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +30.30% | +13.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.34% | +19.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.26% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Castellan ETFs | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 17, 2025 | May 15, 2000 |
CTEF vs IVV Performance
Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) is a ETF from Castellan ETFs and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year CTEF returned +48.34% while IVV returned +19.95%. Year to date, CTEF is up 30.30% versus a gain of 13.25% for IVV.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CTEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -15.0% for CTEF and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CTEF charges 0.45% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $3 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CTEF currently yields 0.06% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
CTEF and IVV share 11 holdings out of 515 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CTEF or IVV?
CTEF has an expense ratio of 0.45% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CTEF or IVV?
Over the past year CTEF returned +48.34% vs +19.95% for IVV, so CTEF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CTEF annualized +61.39% vs +7.01% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CTEF or IVV?
CTEF has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: CTEF -15.0% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both CTEF and IVV?
CTEF and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CTEF and IVV?
CTEF and IVV share 11 common holdings with a 8.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 515 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CTEF or IVV?
CTEF yields 0.06% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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