BFOR vs. CTEF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BFOR (ALPS Barron's 400 ETF) and CTEF (Castellan Targeted Equity ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. BFOR is passively managed, while CTEF is actively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BFOR charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for CTEF.

Performance

BFOR vs. CTEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS Barron's 400 ETF (BFOR) and Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BFOR achieves a 9.89% return, which is significantly lower than CTEF's 29.35% return.

BFOR

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: 2.26%
• YTD: 9.89%
• 6M: 10.61%
• 1Y: 22.04%
• 3Y*: 19.35%
• 5Y*: 9.98%
• 10Y*: 12.37%

CTEF

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: 10.65%
• YTD: 29.35%
• 6M: 31.78%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BFOR vs. CTEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BFOR ALPS Barron's 400 ETF	9.89%	11.66%
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	29.35%	33.22%

Correlation

The correlation between BFOR and CTEF is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 20, 2025	0.77

Return for Risk

BFOR vs. CTEF — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BFOR

BFOR Risk / Return Rank: 46
BFOR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
BFOR Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
BFOR Omega Ratio Rank: 40
BFOR Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
BFOR Martin Ratio Rank: 53

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BFOR vs. CTEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Barron's 400 ETF (BFOR) and Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	BFOR	CTEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.23	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.46	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.02	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BFOR	CTEF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.50	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.59	3.54	-2.95

Drawdowns

BFOR vs. CTEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BFOR drawdown since its inception was -41.27%, which is greater than CTEF's maximum drawdown of -15.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BFOR and CTEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	BFOR	CTEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.27%	-15.00%	-26.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.98%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.91%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.93%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.27%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.49%	-0.41%	-0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.43%	-1.80%	-4.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.45%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BFOR	CTEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.52%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.64%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.80%	21.81%	-7.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.41%	21.81%	-2.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.41%	21.81%	-1.40%

BFOR vs. CTEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

BFOR has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than CTEF's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

BFOR vs. CTEF - Dividend Comparison

BFOR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.54%, more than CTEF's 0.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BFOR ALPS Barron's 400 ETF	0.54%	0.60%	0.69%	1.26%	1.68%	0.92%	0.98%	0.69%	0.94%	0.60%	0.78%	0.86%
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	0.06%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BFOR and CTEF in my portfolio?

BFOR and CTEF have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BFOR or CTEF?

On fees, CTEF is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BFOR or CTEF?

CTEF is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for BFOR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BFOR or CTEF?

BFOR has the higher dividend yield at 0.54%, compared with 0.06% for CTEF.

What is the main difference between BFOR and CTEF?

They also come from different issuers: SS&C and Castellan. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for BFOR and 0.45% for CTEF.