CTEF vs VTI
Castellan Targeted Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. CTEF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CTEF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $646M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.05% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +31.53% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +59.16% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Castellan ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 17, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
CTEF vs VTI Performance
Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) is a ETF from Castellan ETFs and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CTEF returned +59.16% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, CTEF is up 31.53% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CTEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CTEF charges 0.45% per year while VTI 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 0.05% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
CTEF and VTI share 17 holdings out of 2789 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CTEF or VTI?
CTEF has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CTEF or VTI?
Over the past year CTEF returned +59.16% vs +24.16% for VTI, so CTEF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CTEF annualized +66.72% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CTEF or VTI?
CTEF has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: CTEF -15.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CTEF and VTI?
CTEF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CTEF and VTI?
CTEF and VTI share 17 common holdings with a 10.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CTEF or VTI?
CTEF yields 0.05% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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