CTIF vs. BUYW

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

CTIF (Castellan Targeted Income ETF) and BUYW (Main Buywrite ETF) are both Derivative Income funds. Over the past year, CTIF returned 8.48% vs 9.27% for BUYW. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CTIF charges 0.45%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for BUYW.

Performance

CTIF vs. BUYW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Castellan Targeted Income ETF (CTIF) and Main Buywrite ETF (BUYW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CTIF achieves a 6.06% return, which is significantly higher than BUYW's 4.70% return.

CTIF

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 1.76%
• 6M: 2.56%
• YTD: 6.06%
• 1Y: 8.48%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUYW

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: 1.34%
• 6M: 4.27%
• YTD: 4.70%
• 1Y: 9.27%
• 3Y*: 8.66%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CTIF vs. BUYW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CTIF Castellan Targeted Income ETF	6.06%	3.87%
BUYW Main Buywrite ETF	4.70%	5.18%

Correlation

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

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2025	0.45

Return for Risk

CTIF vs. BUYW — Risk / Return Rank

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

CTIF

CTIF Risk / Return Rank: 24
CTIF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
CTIF Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
CTIF Omega Ratio Rank: 21
CTIF Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
CTIF Martin Ratio Rank: 29

BUYW

BUYW Risk / Return Rank: 83
BUYW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
BUYW Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
BUYW Omega Ratio Rank: 80
BUYW Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
BUYW Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

CTIF vs. BUYW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Castellan Targeted Income ETF (CTIF) and Main Buywrite ETF (BUYW). 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.

	CTIF	BUYW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.67	1.92	-1.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.04	2.86	-1.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.37	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.90	3.60	-2.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.26	19.17	-15.91

CTIF vs. BUYW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CTIF Sharpe Ratio is 0.67, which is lower than the BUYW Sharpe Ratio of 1.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CTIF and BUYW, 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

CTIF vs. BUYW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CTIF drawdown since its inception was -9.43%, roughly equal to the maximum BUYW drawdown of -9.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CTIF and BUYW.

Drawdown Indicators

	CTIF	BUYW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.43%	-9.36%	-0.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.43%	-2.59%	-6.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-9.36%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.32%	0.00%	-0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.81%	-0.59%	-1.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.61%	0.48%	+2.13%

Volatility

CTIF vs. BUYW - Volatility Comparison

Castellan Targeted Income ETF (CTIF) has a higher volatility of 3.70% compared to Main Buywrite ETF (BUYW) at 1.35%. This indicates that CTIF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BUYW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CTIF	BUYW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.70%	1.35%	+2.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.66%	3.90%	+5.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.67%	4.86%	+7.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.56%	8.39%	+4.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.56%	8.39%	+4.17%

CTIF vs. BUYW - Expense Ratio Comparison

CTIF has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than BUYW's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

CTIF vs. BUYW - Dividend Comparison

CTIF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.90%, less than BUYW's 5.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUYW Main Buywrite ETF	5.88%	5.89%	5.93%	5.95%	0.50%
CTIF Castellan Targeted Income ETF	4.90%	2.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CTIF and BUYW in my portfolio?

CTIF and BUYW 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 is riskier, CTIF or BUYW?

CTIF has higher volatility (3.70%) compared to BUYW (1.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CTIF dropped -9.43% vs BUYW's -9.36%.

Which ETF is better, CTIF or BUYW?

On 1-year performance, BUYW leads with 9.27% vs 8.48% for CTIF. On fees, CTIF is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, BUYW has been the lower-risk option at 1.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CTIF or BUYW?

Over the 1-year period, BUYW has performed better with a 9.27% return vs 8.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CTIF or BUYW?

CTIF is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for BUYW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CTIF or BUYW?

BUYW has the higher dividend yield at 5.88%, compared with 4.90% for CTIF.

What is the main difference between CTIF and BUYW?

They also come from different issuers: Castellan and Main Funds. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for CTIF and 1.29% for BUYW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUYW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 0.67), 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.