CTEF vs QQQ
Castellan Targeted Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. CTEF delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CTEF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $646M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.05% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +30.29% | +17.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +56.04% | +26.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Castellan ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 17, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CTEF vs QQQ Performance
Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) is a ETF from Castellan ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CTEF returned +56.04% while QQQ returned +26.45%. Year to date, CTEF is up 30.29% versus a gain of 17.85% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 23.0% for CTEF. 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 -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CTEF charges 0.45% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $18 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CTEF currently yields 0.05% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CTEF and QQQ share 6 holdings out of 120 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CTEF or QQQ?
CTEF has an expense ratio of 0.45% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CTEF or QQQ?
Over the past year CTEF returned +56.04% vs +26.45% for QQQ, so CTEF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CTEF annualized +64.74% vs +13.09% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CTEF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 23.0% for CTEF. Worst drawdown: CTEF -15.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CTEF and QQQ?
CTEF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CTEF and QQQ?
CTEF and QQQ share 6 common holdings with a 14.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 120 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CTEF or QQQ?
CTEF yields 0.05% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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