CTIF vs VYM
Castellan Targeted Income ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CTIF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $203M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.76% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +7.80% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.70% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Castellan ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CTIF vs VYM Performance
Castellan Targeted Income ETF (CTIF) is a ETF from Castellan ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CTIF returned +8.70% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, CTIF is up 7.80% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CTIF charges 0.45% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $4 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CTIF currently yields 4.76% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CTIF and VYM share 15 holdings out of 611 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CTIF or VYM?
CTIF has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CTIF or VYM?
Over the past year CTIF returned +8.70% vs +23.85% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CTIF annualized +10.33% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CTIF or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.3% for CTIF. Worst drawdown: CTIF -10.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CTIF and VYM?
CTIF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CTIF and VYM?
CTIF and VYM share 15 common holdings with a 9.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 611 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CTIF or VYM?
CTIF yields 4.76% while VYM yields 2.24%, so CTIF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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