SAEF vs. CTEF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SAEF (Schwab Ariel ESG ETF) and CTEF (Castellan Targeted Equity ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SAEF charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for CTEF.

Performance

SAEF vs. CTEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) 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, SAEF achieves a 9.41% return, which is significantly lower than CTEF's 29.35% return.

SAEF

• 1D: -0.83%
• 1M: 2.14%
• YTD: 9.41%
• 6M: 11.92%
• 1Y: 23.77%
• 3Y*: 13.25%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

SAEF vs. CTEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	9.41%	12.03%
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	29.35%	33.22%

Correlation

The correlation between SAEF and CTEF is 0.66, 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	0.66

Return for Risk

SAEF vs. CTEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAEF

SAEF Risk / Return Rank: 35
SAEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
SAEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
SAEF Omega Ratio Rank: 33
SAEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
SAEF Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

SAEF vs. CTEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) 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.

	SAEF	CTEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.90	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.86	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.04	—	—
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

	SAEF	CTEF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.27	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.21	3.54	-3.33

Drawdowns

SAEF vs. CTEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAEF drawdown since its inception was -28.05%, which is greater than CTEF's maximum drawdown of -15.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAEF and CTEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAEF	CTEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.05%	-15.00%	-13.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.81%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.40%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.28%	-0.41%	-0.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.39%	-1.80%	-8.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.73%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SAEF	CTEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.89%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.96%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.79%	21.81%	-3.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.40%	21.81%	-0.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.40%	21.81%	-0.41%

SAEF vs. CTEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

SAEF has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than CTEF's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

SAEF vs. CTEF - Dividend Comparison

SAEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, more than CTEF's 0.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	0.06%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	0.34%	0.38%	0.46%	0.46%	0.61%	0.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAEF and CTEF in my portfolio?

SAEF and CTEF have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SAEF 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, SAEF or CTEF?

CTEF is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for SAEF.

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

SAEF has the higher dividend yield at 0.34%, compared with 0.06% for CTEF.

What is the main difference between SAEF and CTEF?

They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Castellan. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for SAEF and 0.45% for CTEF.