SMIZ vs. CTEF

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SMIZ (Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF) and CTEF (Castellan Targeted Equity ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SMIZ returned 31.27% vs 77.76% for CTEF. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SMIZ charges 0.56%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for CTEF.

Performance

SMIZ vs. CTEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF (SMIZ) 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, SMIZ achieves a 18.30% return, which is significantly lower than CTEF's 36.84% return.

SMIZ

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 3.99%
• YTD: 18.30%
• 6M: 15.25%
• 1Y: 31.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CTEF

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 13.46%
• YTD: 36.84%
• 6M: 33.43%
• 1Y: 77.76%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SMIZ vs. CTEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SMIZ Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF	18.30%	14.05%
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	36.84%	33.10%

Correlation

The correlation between SMIZ and CTEF is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 18, 2025	0.82

The correlation between SMIZ and CTEF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SMIZ vs. CTEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMIZ

SMIZ Risk / Return Rank: 65
SMIZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
SMIZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
SMIZ Omega Ratio Rank: 59
SMIZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
SMIZ Martin Ratio Rank: 73

CTEF

CTEF Risk / Return Rank: 94
CTEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
CTEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
CTEF Omega Ratio Rank: 93
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.

SMIZ vs. CTEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF (SMIZ) 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.

	SMIZ	CTEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	3.46	-1.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.57	4.35	-1.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.56	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.99	5.21	-2.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.84	24.08	-12.24

SMIZ vs. CTEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMIZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is lower than the CTEF Sharpe Ratio of 3.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMIZ 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

SMIZ vs. CTEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMIZ drawdown since its inception was -25.04%, which is greater than CTEF's maximum drawdown of -15.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMIZ and CTEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMIZ	CTEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.04%	-15.00%	-10.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.51%	-15.00%	+4.49%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.97%	-2.51%	+1.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.91%	-1.75%	-2.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.65%	3.24%	-0.59%

Volatility

SMIZ vs. CTEF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF (SMIZ) is 5.87%, while Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF) has a volatility of 9.15%. This indicates that SMIZ 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

	SMIZ	CTEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.87%	9.15%	-3.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.46%	18.93%	-5.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.35%	22.63%	-5.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.96%	22.51%	-3.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.96%	22.51%	-3.55%

SMIZ vs. CTEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMIZ has a 0.56% expense ratio, which is higher than CTEF's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMIZ vs. CTEF - Dividend Comparison

SMIZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.52%, more than CTEF's 0.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	0.06%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%
SMIZ Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF	0.52%	0.62%	1.57%	0.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMIZ and CTEF in my portfolio?

SMIZ and CTEF have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMIZ or CTEF?

CTEF has higher volatility (9.15%) compared to SMIZ (5.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMIZ dropped -25.04% vs CTEF's -15.00%.

Which ETF is better, SMIZ or CTEF?

On 1-year performance, CTEF leads with 77.76% vs 31.27% for SMIZ. On fees, CTEF is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, SMIZ has been the lower-risk option at 5.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMIZ or CTEF?

Over the 1-year period, CTEF has performed better with a 77.76% return vs 31.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMIZ or CTEF?

CTEF is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.56% for SMIZ.

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

SMIZ has the higher dividend yield at 0.52%, compared with 0.06% for CTEF.

What is the main difference between SMIZ and CTEF?

They also come from different issuers: Zacks and Castellan. Their fees differ too: 0.56% for SMIZ and 0.45% for CTEF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CTEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.46 vs 1.81), 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.