CTEF vs SCHD
Castellan Targeted Equity ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. CTEF delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CTEF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $646M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.05% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +31.53% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +59.16% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Castellan ETFs | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 17, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
CTEF vs SCHD Performance
Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) is a ETF from Castellan ETFs and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year CTEF returned +59.16% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, CTEF is up 31.53% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CTEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CTEF charges 0.45% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $6 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CTEF currently yields 0.05% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
CTEF and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 123 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CTEF or SCHD?
CTEF has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CTEF or SCHD?
Over the past year CTEF returned +59.16% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so CTEF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CTEF annualized +66.72% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CTEF or SCHD?
CTEF has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: CTEF -15.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both CTEF and SCHD?
CTEF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CTEF and SCHD?
CTEF and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 123 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CTEF or SCHD?
CTEF yields 0.05% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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