QTUM vs. CTEF

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

QTUM (Defiance Quantum ETF) and CTEF (Castellan Targeted Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QTUM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the BlueStar Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Index, while CTEF is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Castellan. QTUM is passively managed, while CTEF is actively managed. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QTUM charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for CTEF.

Performance

QTUM vs. CTEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) 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, QTUM achieves a 44.14% return, which is significantly higher than CTEF's 27.48% return.

QTUM

• 1D: 3.25%
• 1M: 8.85%
• YTD: 44.14%
• 6M: 39.20%
• 1Y: 80.80%
• 3Y*: 48.48%
• 5Y*: 27.81%
• 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)

QTUM vs. CTEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	44.14%	24.84%
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	27.48%	33.22%

Correlation

The correlation between QTUM and CTEF is 0.73, 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	0.73

Return for Risk

QTUM vs. CTEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

QTUM

QTUM Risk / Return Rank: 89
QTUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
QTUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
QTUM Omega Ratio Rank: 85
QTUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
QTUM Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

QTUM vs. CTEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) 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.

	QTUM	CTEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.94	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.42	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.32	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.76	—	—
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

	QTUM	CTEF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.94	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.04	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.03	3.33	-2.31

Drawdowns

QTUM vs. CTEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QTUM drawdown since its inception was -38.45%, which is greater than CTEF's maximum drawdown of -15.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QTUM and CTEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	QTUM	CTEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.45%	-15.00%	-23.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.26%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.39%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.45%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.53%	-1.85%	-4.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.25%	-1.79%	-6.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.10%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QTUM	CTEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.41%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.31%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.73%	22.00%	+5.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.85%	22.00%	+4.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.34%	22.00%	+5.34%

QTUM vs. CTEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

QTUM has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than CTEF's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

QTUM vs. CTEF - Dividend Comparison

QTUM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.74%, 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%
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	0.74%	1.01%	0.61%	0.81%	1.46%	0.48%	0.42%	0.61%	0.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QTUM and CTEF in my portfolio?

QTUM and CTEF have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, QTUM or CTEF?

On fees, QTUM is cheaper at 0.40% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QTUM or CTEF?

QTUM is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for CTEF.

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

QTUM has the higher dividend yield at 0.74%, compared with 0.06% for CTEF.

What is the main difference between QTUM and CTEF?

QTUM is categorized as Technology Equities, while CTEF is Mid Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Defiance and Castellan. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for QTUM and 0.45% for CTEF.