FTDS vs. CTEF

Last updated Aug 2, 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. Over the past year, FTDS returned 24.87% vs 61.52% for CTEF. Their 0.23 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. 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 15.08% return, which is significantly lower than CTEF's 33.99% return.

FTDS

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 4.00%
• 6M: 8.67%
• YTD: 15.08%
• 1Y: 24.87%
• 3Y*: 15.10%
• 5Y*: 8.13%
• 10Y*: 11.18%
• ALL TIME*: 6.70%

CTEF

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: -1.71%
• 6M: 26.66%
• YTD: 33.99%
• 1Y: 61.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 67.86%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	$557.84K	$753.72K	$355.21K
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	$146.70K	$150.71K	$191.32K

FTDS vs. CTEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	15.08%	11.76%
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	33.99%	33.10%

Correlation

The correlation between FTDS and CTEF is 0.23, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.23
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 18, 2025	0.23

Return for Risk

FTDS vs. CTEF — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

FTDS

FTDS Risk / Return Rank: 81
FTDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
FTDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FTDS Omega Ratio Rank: 78
FTDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
FTDS Martin Ratio Rank: 75

CTEF

CTEF Risk / Return Rank: 91
CTEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
CTEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
CTEF Omega Ratio Rank: 89
CTEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
CTEF Martin Ratio Rank: 93

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

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.

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.

	FTDS	CTEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	2.52	-0.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.76	3.35	-0.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.41	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.61	3.96	-0.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.38	16.76	-7.37

FTDS vs. CTEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTDS Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the CTEF Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTDS 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

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%	-15.00%	+8.43%
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	-0.74%	-5.20%	+4.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.81%	-1.96%	-7.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.53%	3.54%	-1.01%

Volatility

FTDS vs. CTEF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) is 3.55%, while Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) has a volatility of 6.91%. This indicates that FTDS 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

	FTDS	CTEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.55%	6.91%	-3.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.28%	19.80%	-11.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.81%	23.60%	-10.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.52%	22.66%	-5.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.05%	22.66%	-2.61%

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 1.53%, 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	1.53%	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 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTDS or CTEF?

CTEF has higher volatility (6.91%) compared to FTDS (3.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTDS dropped -56.53% vs CTEF's -15.00%.

Which ETF is better, FTDS or CTEF?

On 1-year performance, CTEF leads with 61.52% vs 24.87% for FTDS. On fees, CTEF is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, FTDS has been the lower-risk option at 3.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTDS or CTEF?

Over the 1-year period, CTEF has performed better with a 61.52% return vs 24.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

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 1.53%, 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.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CTEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 1.86), 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.