FTDS vs. CTEF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) and CTEF (Castellan Targeted Equity ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. FTDS is passively managed, while CTEF is actively managed. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FTDS charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for CTEF.

Performance

FTDS vs. CTEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) 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, FTDS achieves a 6.54% return, which is significantly lower than CTEF's 29.35% return.

FTDS

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: -2.16%
• YTD: 6.54%
• 6M: 6.72%
• 1Y: 18.40%
• 3Y*: 16.04%
• 5Y*: 6.32%
• 10Y*: 10.75%

CTEF

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: 10.65%
• YTD: 29.35%
• 6M: 31.78%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FTDS vs. CTEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	6.54%	11.76%
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	29.35%	33.22%

Correlation

The correlation between FTDS and CTEF is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 20, 2025	0.34

Return for Risk

FTDS vs. CTEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTDS

FTDS Risk / Return Rank: 45
FTDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
FTDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
FTDS Omega Ratio Rank: 39
FTDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
FTDS Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

FTDS vs. CTEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) 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.

	FTDS	CTEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.19	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.81	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.56	—	—
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

	FTDS	CTEF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.44	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.32	3.54	-3.22

Drawdowns

FTDS vs. CTEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTDS drawdown since its inception was -56.53%, which is greater than CTEF's maximum drawdown of -15.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTDS and CTEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTDS	CTEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.53%	-15.00%	-41.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.57%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.04%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.35%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.47%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.46%	-0.41%	-4.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.87%	-1.80%	-8.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FTDS	CTEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.48%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.87%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.92%	21.81%	-8.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.65%	21.81%	-4.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.14%	21.81%	-1.67%

FTDS vs. CTEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTDS has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than CTEF's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTDS vs. CTEF - Dividend Comparison

FTDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.66%, more than CTEF's 0.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	0.06%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	1.66%	1.59%	2.05%	2.15%	2.31%	0.72%	0.99%	1.13%	1.14%	0.79%	1.24%	0.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTDS and CTEF in my portfolio?

FTDS and CTEF have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FTDS 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, FTDS or CTEF?

CTEF is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTDS.

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

FTDS has the higher dividend yield at 1.66%, compared with 0.06% for CTEF.

What is the main difference between FTDS and CTEF?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Castellan. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for FTDS and 0.45% for CTEF.