LSAF vs. CTEF

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

LSAF (LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF) and CTEF (Castellan Targeted Equity ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. LSAF is passively managed, while CTEF is actively managed. Over the past year, LSAF returned 30.03% vs 61.52% for CTEF. Their 0.59 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. LSAF charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for CTEF.

Performance

LSAF vs. CTEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF (LSAF) 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, LSAF achieves a 19.96% return, which is significantly lower than CTEF's 33.99% return.

LSAF

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: 2.49%
• 6M: 17.23%
• YTD: 19.96%
• 1Y: 30.03%
• 3Y*: 18.58%
• 5Y*: 10.90%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 11.02%

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
LSAF LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF	$265.84K	$205.64K	$201.86K

LSAF vs. CTEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
LSAF LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF	19.96%	11.30%
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	33.99%	33.10%

Correlation

The correlation between LSAF and CTEF is 0.61, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 18, 2025	0.59

The correlation between LSAF and CTEF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

LSAF vs. CTEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

LSAF

LSAF Risk / Return Rank: 88
LSAF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
LSAF Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
LSAF Omega Ratio Rank: 82
LSAF Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
LSAF Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

LSAF vs. CTEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF (LSAF) 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.

	LSAF	CTEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	2.52	-0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.98	3.35	-0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.41	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.41	3.96	+0.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.86	16.76	-1.90

LSAF vs. CTEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LSAF Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the CTEF Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LSAF 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

LSAF vs. CTEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LSAF drawdown since its inception was -41.67%, which is greater than CTEF's maximum drawdown of -15.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LSAF and CTEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	LSAF	CTEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.67%	-15.00%	-26.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.58%	-15.00%	+8.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.26%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.94%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.48%	-5.20%	+3.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.21%	-1.96%	-4.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.95%	3.54%	-1.59%

Volatility

LSAF vs. CTEF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF (LSAF) is 4.21%, while Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) has a volatility of 6.91%. This indicates that LSAF 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

	LSAF	CTEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.21%	6.91%	-2.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.49%	19.80%	-9.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.36%	23.60%	-9.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.38%	22.66%	-4.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.73%	22.66%	-0.93%

LSAF vs. CTEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

LSAF has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than CTEF's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

LSAF vs. CTEF - Dividend Comparison

LSAF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.57%, more than CTEF's 0.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	0.06%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
LSAF LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF	0.57%	0.69%	0.42%	0.84%	0.96%	0.37%	0.53%	0.71%	0.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LSAF and CTEF in my portfolio?

LSAF and CTEF have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LSAF or CTEF?

CTEF has higher volatility (6.91%) compared to LSAF (4.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LSAF dropped -41.67% vs CTEF's -15.00%.

Which ETF is better, LSAF or CTEF?

On 1-year performance, CTEF leads with 61.52% vs 30.03% for LSAF. On fees, CTEF is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, LSAF has been the lower-risk option at 4.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LSAF or CTEF?

Over the 1-year period, CTEF has performed better with a 61.52% return vs 30.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LSAF or CTEF?

CTEF is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for LSAF.

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

LSAF has the higher dividend yield at 0.57%, compared with 0.06% for CTEF.

What is the main difference between LSAF and CTEF?

They also come from different issuers: Redwood and Castellan. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for LSAF and 0.45% for CTEF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CTEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 2.03), 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.