FRDM vs. CTEF

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

FRDM (Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF) and CTEF (Castellan Targeted Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FRDM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the Life + Liberty Freedom 100 Emerging Markets Index, while CTEF is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Castellan. FRDM is passively managed, while CTEF is actively managed. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FRDM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for CTEF.

Performance

FRDM vs. CTEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM) 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, FRDM achieves a 33.53% return, which is significantly higher than CTEF's 27.48% return.

FRDM

• 1D: 2.14%
• 1M: -1.02%
• YTD: 33.53%
• 6M: 40.61%
• 1Y: 79.74%
• 3Y*: 32.52%
• 5Y*: 17.60%
• 10Y*: —

CTEF

• 1D: 1.50%
• 1M: 4.26%
• YTD: 27.48%
• 6M: 28.46%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FRDM vs. CTEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FRDM Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF	33.53%	34.26%
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	27.48%	33.22%

Correlation

The correlation between FRDM and CTEF is 0.69, 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	0.69

Return for Risk

FRDM vs. CTEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

FRDM

FRDM Risk / Return Rank: 90
FRDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
FRDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
FRDM Omega Ratio Rank: 90
FRDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
FRDM Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

FRDM vs. CTEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM) 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.

	FRDM	CTEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.08	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.57	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.53	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.75	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.69	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FRDM	CTEF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.08	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.79	3.33	-2.55

Drawdowns

FRDM vs. CTEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FRDM drawdown since its inception was -40.49%, which is greater than CTEF's maximum drawdown of -15.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FRDM and CTEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	FRDM	CTEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.49%	-15.00%	-25.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.87%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.87%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.25%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.86%	-1.85%	-7.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.10%	-1.79%	-5.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.28%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FRDM	CTEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.53%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.53%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.09%	22.00%	+4.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.15%	22.00%	-0.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.98%	22.00%	+0.98%

FRDM vs. CTEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

FRDM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than CTEF's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

FRDM vs. CTEF - Dividend Comparison

FRDM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.64%, more than CTEF's 0.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	0.06%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FRDM Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF	1.64%	2.26%	2.53%	2.66%	2.72%	2.17%	1.11%	1.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FRDM and CTEF in my portfolio?

FRDM and CTEF have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FRDM or CTEF?

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, FRDM or CTEF?

CTEF is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for FRDM.

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

FRDM has the higher dividend yield at 1.64%, compared with 0.06% for CTEF.

What is the main difference between FRDM and CTEF?

FRDM is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while CTEF is Mid Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Freedom Funds and Castellan. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for FRDM and 0.45% for CTEF.