CTEF vs. GDE

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

CTEF (Castellan Targeted Equity ETF) and GDE (WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - CTEF is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Castellan, while GDE is a Gold fund actively managed by WisdomTree. Both are actively managed. At a 0.46 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CTEF charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for GDE.

Performance

CTEF vs. GDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) and WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CTEF achieves a 27.48% return, which is significantly higher than GDE's 5.74% return.

CTEF

• 1D: 1.50%
• 1M: 4.26%
• YTD: 27.48%
• 6M: 28.46%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GDE

• 1D: 0.95%
• 1M: -7.44%
• YTD: 5.74%
• 6M: 8.50%
• 1Y: 47.93%
• 3Y*: 44.47%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CTEF vs. GDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	27.48%	33.22%
GDE WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund	5.74%	39.98%

Correlation

The correlation between CTEF and GDE is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 20, 2025	0.46

Return for Risk

CTEF vs. GDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

GDE

GDE Risk / Return Rank: 49
GDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
GDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
GDE Omega Ratio Rank: 54
GDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
GDE Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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. GDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) and WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE). 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	GDE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.33	1.10	+2.24

Drawdowns

CTEF vs. GDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CTEF drawdown since its inception was -15.00%, smaller than the maximum GDE drawdown of -32.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CTEF and GDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	CTEF	GDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.00%	-32.01%	+17.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-22.66%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.66%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.85%	-14.44%	+12.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.79%	-7.90%	+6.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.40%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	CTEF	GDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	8.25%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	25.04%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.00%	29.09%	-7.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.00%	26.26%	-4.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.00%	26.26%	-4.26%

CTEF vs. GDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

CTEF has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than GDE's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

CTEF vs. GDE - Dividend Comparison

CTEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.06%, less than GDE's 4.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	0.06%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GDE WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund	4.09%	4.32%	7.14%	2.22%	0.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CTEF and GDE in my portfolio?

CTEF and GDE have a correlation of 0.46, 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 GDE?

On fees, GDE is cheaper at 0.20% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, CTEF or GDE?

GDE is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for CTEF.

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

GDE has the higher dividend yield at 4.09%, compared with 0.06% for CTEF.

What is the main difference between CTEF and GDE?

CTEF is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while GDE is Gold. They also come from different issuers: Castellan and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for CTEF and 0.20% for GDE.