CTEF vs VXUS
Castellan Targeted Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. CTEF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CTEF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $646M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.05% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +31.53% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +59.16% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Castellan ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 17, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CTEF vs VXUS Performance
Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) is a ETF from Castellan ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CTEF returned +59.16% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, CTEF is up 31.53% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CTEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% compared with 15.1% 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.71. 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 0.05% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CTEF and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7884 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 VXUS?
CTEF has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CTEF or VXUS?
Over the past year CTEF returned +59.16% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so CTEF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CTEF annualized +66.72% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CTEF or VXUS?
CTEF has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CTEF -15.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CTEF and VXUS?
CTEF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CTEF and VXUS?
CTEF and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7884 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CTEF or VXUS?
CTEF yields 0.05% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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