CTEF vs VOO
Castellan Targeted Equity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. CTEF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CTEF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $661M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.06% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 47 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +30.30% | +13.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.34% | +19.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.81% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Castellan ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 17, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
CTEF vs VOO Performance
Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) is a ETF from Castellan ETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CTEF returned +48.34% while VOO returned +19.96%. Year to date, CTEF is up 30.30% versus a gain of 13.25% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CTEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CTEF charges 0.45% per year while VOO 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 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
CTEF and VOO share 12 holdings out of 514 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CTEF or VOO?
CTEF has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CTEF or VOO?
Over the past year CTEF returned +48.34% vs +19.96% for VOO, so CTEF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CTEF annualized +61.39% vs +13.49% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CTEF or VOO?
CTEF has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: CTEF -15.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both CTEF and VOO?
CTEF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CTEF and VOO?
CTEF and VOO share 12 common holdings with a 9.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 514 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CTEF or VOO?
CTEF yields 0.06% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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