CTEF vs. AFMC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CTEF (Castellan Targeted Equity ETF) and AFMC (First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CTEF charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for AFMC.

Performance

CTEF vs. AFMC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) and First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF (AFMC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CTEF achieves a 29.35% return, which is significantly higher than AFMC's 16.54% return.

CTEF

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

AFMC

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 4.34%
• YTD: 16.54%
• 6M: 17.09%
• 1Y: 28.05%
• 3Y*: 20.73%
• 5Y*: 10.49%
• 10Y*: —

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

CTEF vs. AFMC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	29.35%	33.22%
AFMC First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF	16.54%	10.79%

Correlation

The correlation between CTEF and AFMC is 0.75, 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	0.75

Return for Risk

CTEF vs. AFMC — Risk / Return Rank

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

AFMC

AFMC Risk / Return Rank: 61
AFMC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
AFMC Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
AFMC Omega Ratio Rank: 54
AFMC Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
AFMC Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

CTEF vs. AFMC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) and First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF (AFMC). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CTEF	AFMC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.89	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.56	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.54	0.54	+3.00

Drawdowns

CTEF vs. AFMC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CTEF drawdown since its inception was -15.00%, smaller than the maximum AFMC drawdown of -42.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CTEF and AFMC.

Drawdown Indicators

	CTEF	AFMC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.00%	-42.14%	+27.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.20%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.99%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.41%	0.00%	-0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.80%	-7.62%	+5.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.27%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	CTEF	AFMC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.71%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.00%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.81%	14.94%	+6.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.81%	18.96%	+2.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.81%	22.93%	-1.12%

CTEF vs. AFMC - Expense Ratio Comparison

CTEF has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than AFMC's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

CTEF vs. AFMC - Dividend Comparison

CTEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.06%, less than AFMC's 0.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AFMC First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF	0.78%	0.96%	0.64%	0.87%	1.42%	0.84%	1.05%	0.29%
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	0.06%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CTEF and AFMC in my portfolio?

CTEF and AFMC have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, CTEF or AFMC?

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, CTEF or AFMC?

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

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

AFMC has the higher dividend yield at 0.78%, compared with 0.06% for CTEF.

What is the main difference between CTEF and AFMC?

They also come from different issuers: Castellan and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for CTEF and 0.65% for AFMC.