CTEF ETF: What Is It? Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings and Alternative ETFs
The Castellan Targeted Equity ETF is an actively managed product that invests in growth stocks at reasonable prices, using multiple metrics to screen securities quantitatively. Fees, growth outlook and volatility are the key items to check, comparing it with passive mid-cap ETFs is the main selection criterion, and its trading ticker is CTEF.
SubscribeWhat Is the Castellan Targeted Equity ETF?
It is an active ETF that selects growth stocks at reasonable prices through a rules-based approach, quantitatively evaluating US-listed stocks using metrics such as profitability, market capitalization, analyst coverage, price momentum and earnings outlook.
With its quantitative selection process that considers both growth and value, it suits investors who hope to differentiate their returns from the broader market.
It is an ETF run with an active management approach by Castellan.
How Does the Castellan Targeted Equity ETF Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracked Index | Active (does not track a benchmark) |
| Management Style | Active (quantitative selection) |
| Rebalancing Frequency | As needed (at manager's discretion) |
| Dividend Frequency | Irregular |
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% |
It uses a rules-based quantitative selection process that scores US-listed stocks and depositary receipts using multiple metrics, such as profitability, market capitalization, analyst coverage, recent price momentum and earnings outlook. It focuses on growth stocks at reasonable prices that weigh growth and value together, seeking capital appreciation.
- Quantitative stock scoring that combines multiple metrics
- Selection that considers both growth and value
Castellan Targeted Equity ETF Size and Costs (AUM and Management Fee)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $634.3M, and the expense ratio is 0.45% per year.
Unlike market-cap-weighted ETFs, its quantitative selection can cause performance to diverge from the market, and its mid-cap exposure makes it somewhat more volatile.
Castellan Targeted Equity ETF Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeA strategy that weighs growth and value together sees its performance shift depending on which style the market favors. It can show a relatively balanced trajectory when growth and value are valued evenly, but relative performance gaps can appear when a particular style leads strongly.
Inflows tend to arrive when interest in quantitative selection and growth at a reasonable price rises, and fund flows vary with market style rotation and management results.
Castellan Targeted Equity ETF Pros and Cons
Its strength is quantitative selection that combines multiple metrics, while its weaknesses are performance dispersion and mid-cap volatility.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
Castellan Targeted Equity ETF Alternative ETFs and Related Products
VIG, SCHD, VYM and others shown in the table are dividend-focused ETFs, so their focus differs from a quantitative selection strategy. For low-cost exposure to US mid-cap stocks, you can also compare the representative mid-cap ETFs VO and IJH, and for exposure to the momentum factor, MTUM. These differ in management approach, style and fees, so it is best to choose according to your investment profile.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 SCHD | Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF | $35.27 | -0.4% | $118.9B | 0.06% | 2.99% | +30.5% |
 VIG | Vanguard Dividend Appreciation FTF | $243.12 | -0.8% | $114.5B | 0.04% | 1.5% | +12.0% |
 VYM | Vanguard High Dividend Yield Indx ETF | $161.50 | -0.7% | $82.7B | 0.04% | 2.28% | +14.6% |
 DFAC | U.S. Core Equity 2 Portfolio-ETF Class Shares | $44.74 | -0.6% | $49.3B | 0.18% | 0.88% | +15.4% |
 RDVY | First Trust Rising Dividend Achievers ETF | $78.70 | -1.2% | $25.5B | 0.47% | 0.86% | +16.8% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MU | Micron Technology Inc | 0.17% | $877.55 | +2.5% | $992.9B | 11.8 | 0.08% |
| WDC | Western Digital Corp | 0.07% | $343.67 | -3.0% | $128.6B | 13.3 | 0.19% |
| LRCX | Lam Research Corp | 0.12% | $230.10 | -0.0% | $288.0B | 34.2 | 0.57% |
| JBL | Jabil Inc | 0.06% | $273.97 | +2.5% | $28.7B | 28.0 | 0.12% |
 MOD | Modine Manufacturing Co | 0.11% | $133.34 | -1.4% | $7.1B | 50.3 | - |
| FIX | Comfort Systems USA Inc | 0.06% | $1160.86 | -9.3% | $40.9B | 25.1 | 0.28% |
 DECK | Deckers Outdoor Corp | 0.05% | $81.09 | -4.9% | $11.0B | 10.8 | - |
Castellan Targeted Equity ETF Investor Checkpoints
Here are the points to review before investing in CTEF. As a quantitatively screened ETF, it is important to check performance dispersion, volatility, fee level and management approach in advance.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense Ratio | Check active management fees | Needs checking |
| 📊 Style | Check selection that considers both growth and value | Balanced style |
| 📉 Volatility | Check volatility from mid-cap exposure | Somewhat high |
| 📈 Performance Dispersion | Possible performance gap versus the market | May vary |
Quantitative selection can produce performance gaps versus the market-cap-weighted market, and mid-cap exposure can make volatility somewhat high. Relative performance gaps can appear when a particular style leads strongly.
It is an active ETF suited to investors who expect differentiation from quantitative selection that weighs growth and value together. If you want simple market exposure, a passive mid-cap ETF may be the alternative, and if you want quantitatively selected active management, CTEF may be the alternative.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
This article reflects information as of June 4, 2026.
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