CTIF vs. FTQI

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

CTIF (Castellan Targeted Income ETF) and FTQI (First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CTIF is a Derivative Income fund managed by Castellan, while FTQI is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Over the past year, CTIF returned 6.93% vs 24.70% for FTQI. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CTIF charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for FTQI.

Performance

CTIF vs. FTQI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CTIF achieves a 3.33% return, which is significantly lower than FTQI's 10.11% return.

CTIF

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: -0.56%
• YTD: 3.33%
• 6M: 2.10%
• 1Y: 6.93%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTQI

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: -0.42%
• YTD: 10.11%
• 6M: 9.11%
• 1Y: 24.70%
• 3Y*: 16.45%
• 5Y*: 10.81%
• 10Y*: 8.39%

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

CTIF vs. FTQI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CTIF Castellan Targeted Income ETF	3.33%	3.87%
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	10.11%	14.00%

Correlation

The correlation between CTIF and FTQI is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2025	0.65

The correlation between CTIF and FTQI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CTIF vs. FTQI — Risk / Return Rank

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

CTIF

CTIF Risk / Return Rank: 19
CTIF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
CTIF Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
CTIF Omega Ratio Rank: 17
CTIF Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
CTIF Martin Ratio Rank: 23

FTQI

FTQI Risk / Return Rank: 86
FTQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
FTQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FTQI Omega Ratio Rank: 85
FTQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
FTQI Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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. FTQI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Castellan Targeted Income ETF (CTIF) and First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI). 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	FTQI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.59	2.35	-1.76
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.92	3.25	-2.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.45	-0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.79	4.01	-3.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.85	19.01	-16.16

CTIF vs. FTQI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CTIF Sharpe Ratio is 0.59, which is lower than the FTQI Sharpe Ratio of 2.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CTIF and FTQI, 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. FTQI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CTIF drawdown since its inception was -9.43%, smaller than the maximum FTQI drawdown of -19.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CTIF and FTQI.

Drawdown Indicators

	CTIF	FTQI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.43%	-19.42%	+9.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.43%	-6.24%	-3.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.42%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.42%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-19.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.44%	-1.45%	-0.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.85%	-3.74%	+1.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.60%	1.31%	+1.29%

Volatility

CTIF vs. FTQI - Volatility Comparison

Castellan Targeted Income ETF (CTIF) has a higher volatility of 4.07% compared to First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) at 3.19%. This indicates that CTIF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTQI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CTIF	FTQI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.07%	3.19%	+0.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.73%	8.53%	+1.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.58%	10.63%	+1.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.58%	14.82%	-2.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.58%	13.28%	-0.70%

CTIF vs. FTQI - Expense Ratio Comparison

CTIF has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than FTQI's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

CTIF vs. FTQI - Dividend Comparison

CTIF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.72%, less than FTQI's 11.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CTIF Castellan Targeted Income ETF	3.72%	2.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	11.18%	11.46%	11.66%	11.49%	9.85%	3.05%	3.27%	2.95%	3.27%	2.74%	3.02%	3.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CTIF and FTQI in my portfolio?

CTIF and FTQI have a correlation of 0.65, 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 FTQI?

CTIF has higher volatility (4.07%) compared to FTQI (3.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CTIF dropped -9.43% vs FTQI's -19.42%.

Which ETF is better, CTIF or FTQI?

On 1-year performance, FTQI leads with 24.70% vs 6.93% for CTIF. On fees, CTIF is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, FTQI has been the lower-risk option at 3.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CTIF or FTQI?

Over the 1-year period, FTQI has performed better with a 24.70% return vs 6.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CTIF or FTQI?

CTIF is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for FTQI.

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

FTQI has the higher dividend yield at 11.18%, compared with 3.72% for CTIF.

What is the main difference between CTIF and FTQI?

CTIF is categorized as Derivative Income, while FTQI is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Castellan and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for CTIF and 0.75% for FTQI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 vs 0.59), 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.