CTIF vs VXUS
Castellan Targeted Income ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CTIF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $203M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.76% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.94% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.56% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Castellan ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CTIF vs VXUS Performance
Castellan Targeted Income ETF (CTIF) is a ETF from Castellan ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CTIF returned +10.56% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, CTIF is up 9.94% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 11.6% 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 -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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CTIF 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, CTIF currently yields 4.76% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CTIF and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7891 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in CTIF | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR | 4.19% | 0.00% | 4.19% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CTIF or VXUS?
CTIF 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, CTIF or VXUS?
Over the past year CTIF returned +10.56% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CTIF annualized +12.36% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CTIF or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.6% for CTIF. Worst drawdown: CTIF -10.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CTIF and VXUS?
CTIF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CTIF and VXUS?
CTIF and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7891 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CTIF or VXUS?
CTIF yields 4.76% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so CTIF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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