EUSA vs. CTEF

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

EUSA (iShares MSCI USA Equal Weighted ETF) and CTEF (Castellan Targeted Equity ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. EUSA is passively managed, while CTEF is actively managed. Over the past year, EUSA returned 17.88% vs 80.41% for CTEF. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EUSA charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for CTEF.

Performance

EUSA vs. CTEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI USA Equal Weighted ETF (EUSA) and Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EUSA achieves a 10.06% return, which is significantly lower than CTEF's 38.70% return.

EUSA

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: 1.53%
• YTD: 10.06%
• 6M: 8.62%
• 1Y: 17.88%
• 3Y*: 15.73%
• 5Y*: 7.65%
• 10Y*: 12.28%

CTEF

• 1D: 1.36%
• 1M: 9.58%
• YTD: 38.70%
• 6M: 35.24%
• 1Y: 80.41%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EUSA vs. CTEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EUSA iShares MSCI USA Equal Weighted ETF	10.06%	8.52%
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	38.70%	33.10%

Correlation

The correlation between EUSA and CTEF is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 18, 2025	0.66

The correlation between EUSA and CTEF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EUSA vs. CTEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

EUSA

EUSA Risk / Return Rank: 51
EUSA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
EUSA Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
EUSA Omega Ratio Rank: 46
EUSA Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
EUSA Martin Ratio Rank: 59

CTEF

CTEF Risk / Return Rank: 94
CTEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
CTEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
CTEF Omega Ratio Rank: 93
CTEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
CTEF Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

EUSA vs. CTEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI USA Equal Weighted ETF (EUSA) and Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF). 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.

	EUSA	CTEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	3.58	-2.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	4.46	-2.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.57	-0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.30	5.39	-3.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.03	24.89	-15.87

EUSA vs. CTEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EUSA Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is lower than the CTEF Sharpe Ratio of 3.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EUSA and CTEF, 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

EUSA vs. CTEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EUSA drawdown since its inception was -39.16%, which is greater than CTEF's maximum drawdown of -15.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EUSA and CTEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	EUSA	CTEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.16%	-15.00%	-24.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.82%	-15.00%	+7.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.20%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.24%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.16%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.62%	-1.19%	+0.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.58%	-1.75%	-2.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.99%	3.24%	-1.25%

Volatility

EUSA vs. CTEF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI USA Equal Weighted ETF (EUSA) is 3.67%, while Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) has a volatility of 8.06%. This indicates that EUSA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CTEF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EUSA	CTEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.67%	8.06%	-4.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.09%	18.95%	-9.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.04%	22.60%	-10.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.99%	22.50%	-5.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.32%	22.50%	-4.18%

EUSA vs. CTEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

EUSA has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than CTEF's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

EUSA vs. CTEF - Dividend Comparison

EUSA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%, more than CTEF's 0.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	0.05%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
EUSA iShares MSCI USA Equal Weighted ETF	1.47%	1.63%	1.47%	1.53%	1.73%	1.23%	1.45%	1.49%	2.01%	1.50%	1.59%	2.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EUSA and CTEF in my portfolio?

EUSA and CTEF have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EUSA or CTEF?

CTEF has higher volatility (8.06%) compared to EUSA (3.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EUSA dropped -39.16% vs CTEF's -15.00%.

Which ETF is better, EUSA or CTEF?

On 1-year performance, CTEF leads with 80.41% vs 17.88% for EUSA. On fees, EUSA is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, EUSA has been the lower-risk option at 3.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EUSA or CTEF?

Over the 1-year period, CTEF has performed better with a 80.41% return vs 17.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EUSA or CTEF?

EUSA is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for CTEF.

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

EUSA has the higher dividend yield at 1.47%, compared with 0.05% for CTEF.

What is the main difference between EUSA and CTEF?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Castellan. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for EUSA and 0.45% for CTEF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CTEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.58 vs 1.49), 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.