CTEF vs. PEXL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CTEF (Castellan Targeted Equity ETF) and PEXL (Pacer US Export Leaders ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. CTEF is actively managed, while PEXL is passively managed. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CTEF charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for PEXL.

Performance

CTEF vs. PEXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) and Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL). 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 PEXL's 23.12% return.

CTEF

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

PEXL

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: 12.19%
• YTD: 23.12%
• 6M: 24.66%
• 1Y: 53.95%
• 3Y*: 22.51%
• 5Y*: 13.25%
• 10Y*: —

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

CTEF vs. PEXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	29.35%	33.22%
PEXL Pacer US Export Leaders ETF	23.12%	22.33%

Correlation

The correlation between CTEF and PEXL is 0.78, 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	0.78

Return for Risk

CTEF vs. PEXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

PEXL

PEXL Risk / Return Rank: 87
PEXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
PEXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
PEXL Omega Ratio Rank: 83
PEXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
PEXL Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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. PEXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) and Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL). 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	PEXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.05	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.61	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.54	0.65	+2.89

Drawdowns

CTEF vs. PEXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CTEF drawdown since its inception was -15.00%, smaller than the maximum PEXL drawdown of -36.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CTEF and PEXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	CTEF	PEXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.00%	-36.76%	+21.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.43%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-24.72%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.44%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.41%	0.00%	-0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.80%	-6.72%	+4.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.65%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	CTEF	PEXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.25%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.10%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.81%	17.80%	+4.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.81%	21.86%	-0.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.81%	24.04%	-2.23%

CTEF vs. PEXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

CTEF has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than PEXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

CTEF vs. PEXL - Dividend Comparison

CTEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.06%, less than PEXL's 0.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	0.06%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PEXL Pacer US Export Leaders ETF	0.34%	0.44%	0.48%	0.48%	0.60%	0.22%	0.48%	0.49%	0.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CTEF and PEXL in my portfolio?

CTEF and PEXL have a correlation of 0.78, 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 PEXL?

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 PEXL?

CTEF is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PEXL.

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

PEXL has the higher dividend yield at 0.34%, compared with 0.06% for CTEF.

What is the main difference between CTEF and PEXL?

They also come from different issuers: Castellan and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for CTEF and 0.60% for PEXL.