CTEF vs. PEXL

Last updated Jun 24, 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. Over the past year, CTEF returned 81.04% vs 45.53% for PEXL. A 0.79 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 36.91% return, which is significantly higher than PEXL's 19.63% return.

CTEF

• 1D: -2.45%
• 1M: 13.53%
• YTD: 36.91%
• 6M: 33.85%
• 1Y: 81.04%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PEXL

• 1D: -2.96%
• 1M: 2.42%
• YTD: 19.63%
• 6M: 18.58%
• 1Y: 45.53%
• 3Y*: 20.68%
• 5Y*: 12.45%
• 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	36.91%	33.10%
PEXL Pacer US Export Leaders ETF	19.63%	22.38%

Correlation

The correlation between CTEF and PEXL is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 18, 2025	0.79

The correlation between CTEF and PEXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CTEF vs. PEXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

CTEF

CTEF Risk / Return Rank: 93
CTEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
CTEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
CTEF Omega Ratio Rank: 92
CTEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
CTEF Martin Ratio Rank: 94

PEXL

PEXL Risk / Return Rank: 79
PEXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
PEXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
PEXL Omega Ratio Rank: 73
PEXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
PEXL Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	CTEF	PEXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.60	2.38	+1.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.48	3.14	+1.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	1.40	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.43	4.00	+1.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	25.12	16.56	+8.56

CTEF vs. PEXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CTEF Sharpe Ratio is 3.60, which is higher than the PEXL Sharpe Ratio of 2.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CTEF and PEXL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

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	-15.00%	-11.43%	-3.57%
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	-2.45%	-3.37%	+0.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.75%	-6.69%	+4.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.24%	2.76%	+0.48%

Volatility

CTEF vs. PEXL - Volatility Comparison

Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) and Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL) have volatilities of 9.15% and 8.72%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CTEF	PEXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.15%	8.72%	+0.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.03%	14.95%	+4.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.64%	19.25%	+3.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.56%	22.12%	+0.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.56%	24.13%	-1.57%

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 0.30% 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	0.30%	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 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CTEF or PEXL?

CTEF has higher volatility (9.15%) compared to PEXL (8.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CTEF dropped -15.00% vs PEXL's -36.76%.

Which ETF is better, CTEF or PEXL?

On 1-year performance, CTEF leads with 81.04% vs 45.53% for PEXL. On fees, CTEF is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, PEXL has been the lower-risk option at 8.72%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CTEF or PEXL?

Over the 1-year period, CTEF has performed better with a 81.04% return vs 45.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

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 0.30%, 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.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CTEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.60 vs 2.38), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.