GDE vs. CTEF

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

GDE (WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund) and CTEF (Castellan Targeted Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GDE is a Gold fund actively managed by WisdomTree, while CTEF is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Castellan. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, GDE returned 32.45% vs 64.32% for CTEF. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GDE charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for CTEF.

Performance

GDE vs. CTEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE) 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, GDE achieves a -1.30% return, which is significantly lower than CTEF's 33.21% return.

GDE

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: -4.95%
• 6M: -7.43%
• YTD: -1.30%
• 1Y: 32.45%
• 3Y*: 39.14%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 29.17%

CTEF

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: -4.17%
• 6M: 28.28%
• YTD: 33.21%
• 1Y: 64.32%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 69.37%

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

GDE vs. CTEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GDE WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund	-1.30%	38.27%
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	33.21%	33.10%

Correlation

The correlation between GDE and CTEF is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 18, 2025	0.47

Return for Risk

GDE vs. CTEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

GDE

GDE Risk / Return Rank: 36
GDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
GDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
GDE Omega Ratio Rank: 40
GDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
GDE Martin Ratio Rank: 31

CTEF

CTEF Risk / Return Rank: 93
CTEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
CTEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
CTEF Omega Ratio Rank: 91
CTEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
CTEF Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

GDE vs. CTEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE) 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.

	GDE	CTEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.06	2.79	-1.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.46	3.63	-2.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.45	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.44	4.31	-2.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.38	19.08	-15.70

GDE vs. CTEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GDE Sharpe Ratio is 1.06, which is lower than the CTEF Sharpe Ratio of 2.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GDE 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

GDE vs. CTEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDE drawdown since its inception was -32.01%, which is greater than CTEF's maximum drawdown of -15.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDE and CTEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDE	CTEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.01%	-15.00%	-17.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-22.66%	-15.00%	-7.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.66%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-20.14%	-5.75%	-14.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.16%	-1.85%	-6.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.62%	3.38%	+6.24%

Volatility

GDE vs. CTEF - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE) has a higher volatility of 7.43% compared to Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) at 6.70%. This indicates that GDE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CTEF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GDE	CTEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.43%	6.70%	+0.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.34%	19.32%	+7.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.85%	23.21%	+7.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.10%	22.50%	+4.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.10%	22.50%	+4.60%

GDE vs. CTEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

GDE has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than CTEF's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

GDE vs. CTEF - Dividend Comparison

GDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.38%, more than CTEF's 0.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	0.06%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GDE WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund	4.38%	4.32%	7.14%	2.22%	0.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDE and CTEF in my portfolio?

GDE and CTEF have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GDE or CTEF?

GDE has higher volatility (7.43%) compared to CTEF (6.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GDE dropped -32.01% vs CTEF's -15.00%.

Which ETF is better, GDE or CTEF?

On 1-year performance, CTEF leads with 64.32% vs 32.45% for GDE. On fees, GDE is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, CTEF has been the lower-risk option at 6.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GDE or CTEF?

Over the 1-year period, CTEF has performed better with a 64.32% return vs 32.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GDE or CTEF?

GDE is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for CTEF.

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

GDE has the higher dividend yield at 4.38%, compared with 0.06% for CTEF.

What is the main difference between GDE and CTEF?

GDE is categorized as Gold, while CTEF is Mid Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Castellan. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for GDE and 0.45% for CTEF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CTEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.79 vs 1.06), 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.