CTEF vs VXUS
Castellan Targeted Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, CTEF or VXUS?
CTEF has been ahead.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. CTEF led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CTEF | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $636M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.06% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 47 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +25.49%Best | +12.82% |
| 1Y Return | +33.75%Best | +19.86% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.33% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.46% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.1% | 13.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -15.0% | -11.3%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.3 years | $17,412Best | $13,303 |
| Fund Family | Castellan ETFs | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 17, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 18, 2025 to Sep 18, 2026 (1.3 years).
CTEF vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.3 years both funds cover.
CTEF vs VXUS Performance
Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) is an ETF from Castellan ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CTEF returned +33.75% while VXUS returned +19.86%. Year to date, CTEF is up 25.49% versus a gain of 12.82% for VXUS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CTEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.1% compared with 13.2% for VXUS. 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 -11.3% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CTEF charges 0.45% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $5 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CTEF currently yields 0.06% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 23 holdings in CTEF and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 98.8% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 23 positions we hold weights for in CTEF and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 47 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of CTEF and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CTEF or VXUS?
CTEF has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $40 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, CTEF or VXUS?
Over the past year CTEF returned +33.75% vs +19.86% for VXUS, so CTEF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CTEF annualized +53.20% vs +24.55% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, CTEF or VXUS?
CTEF has been the more volatile fund at 23.1% annualized versus 13.2% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CTEF -15.0% vs VXUS -11.3%.
Should I hold both CTEF and VXUS?
CTEF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, CTEF or VXUS?
CTEF yields 0.06% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than CTEF?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. CTEF led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.