CTIF vs QQQ
Castellan Targeted Income ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CTIF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $203M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.76% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +6.83% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.34% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Castellan ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CTIF vs QQQ Performance
Castellan Targeted Income ETF (CTIF) is a ETF from Castellan ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CTIF returned +7.34% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, CTIF is up 6.83% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 11.3% for CTIF. 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 -10.6% for CTIF and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CTIF charges 0.45% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $18 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CTIF currently yields 4.76% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CTIF and QQQ share 4 holdings out of 121 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CTIF or QQQ?
CTIF has an expense ratio of 0.45% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CTIF or QQQ?
Over the past year CTIF returned +7.34% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CTIF annualized +9.41% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CTIF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 11.3% for CTIF. Worst drawdown: CTIF -10.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CTIF and QQQ?
CTIF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CTIF and QQQ?
CTIF and QQQ share 4 common holdings with a 8.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 121 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CTIF or QQQ?
CTIF yields 4.76% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so CTIF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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