CTIF vs VTI
Castellan Targeted Income ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CTIF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $203M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.76% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.80% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.66% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Castellan ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
CTIF vs VTI Performance
Castellan Targeted Income ETF (CTIF) is a ETF from Castellan ETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CTIF returned +8.66% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, CTIF is up 7.80% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -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
CTIF 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, CTIF currently yields 4.76% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
CTIF and VTI share 20 holdings out of 2790 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CTIF or VTI?
CTIF 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, CTIF or VTI?
Over the past year CTIF returned +8.66% vs +22.17% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CTIF annualized +10.30% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CTIF or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.3% for CTIF. Worst drawdown: CTIF -10.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CTIF and VTI?
CTIF 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 CTIF and VTI?
CTIF and VTI share 20 common holdings with a 8.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CTIF or VTI?
CTIF yields 4.76% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CTIF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.