CTEF vs. IQSM
CTEF (Castellan Targeted Equity ETF) and IQSM (IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. CTEF is actively managed, while IQSM is passively managed. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CTEF charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for IQSM.
Performance
CTEF vs. IQSM - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, CTEF achieves a 29.35% return, which is significantly higher than IQSM's 11.77% return.
CTEF
- 1D
- -0.41%
- 1M
- 10.65%
- YTD
- 29.35%
- 6M
- 31.78%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
IQSM
- 1D
- 0.11%
- 1M
- 4.36%
- YTD
- 11.77%
- 6M
- 12.17%
- 1Y
- 22.78%
- 3Y*
- 13.84%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
CTEF vs. IQSM - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF | 29.35% | 33.22% |
IQSM IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF | 11.77% | 10.83% |
Correlation
The correlation between CTEF and IQSM is 0.70, 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 | 0.70 |
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
CTEF vs. IQSM — Risk / Return Rank
CTEF
IQSM
CTEF vs. IQSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) and IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (IQSM). 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.
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| CTEF | IQSM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | — | 1.53 | — |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 3.54 | 0.74 | +2.80 |
Drawdowns
CTEF vs. IQSM - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum CTEF drawdown since its inception was -15.00%, smaller than the maximum IQSM drawdown of -23.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CTEF and IQSM.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| CTEF | IQSM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -15.00% | -23.66% | +8.66% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -8.86% | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -23.66% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.41% | 0.00% | -0.41% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -1.80% | -4.87% | +3.07% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 2.42% | — |
Volatility
CTEF vs. IQSM - Volatility Comparison
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| CTEF | IQSM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 3.97% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 10.98% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 21.81% | 14.97% | +6.84% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 21.81% | 17.89% | +3.92% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 21.81% | 17.89% | +3.92% |
CTEF vs. IQSM - Expense Ratio Comparison
CTEF has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than IQSM's 0.15% expense ratio.
Dividends
CTEF vs. IQSM - Dividend Comparison
CTEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.06%, less than IQSM's 1.06% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF | 0.06% | 0.08% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
IQSM IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF | 1.06% | 1.18% | 1.22% | 1.11% | 0.32% |
Frequently Asked Questions
CTEF and IQSM have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
On fees, IQSM is cheaper at 0.15% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
IQSM is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for CTEF.
IQSM has the higher dividend yield at 1.06%, compared with 0.06% for CTEF.
They also come from different issuers: Castellan and IndexIQ. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for CTEF and 0.15% for IQSM.
Find the right allocation for CTEF and IQSM
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer