BTGD vs. CTA

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

BTGD (STKD Bitcoin & Gold ETF) and CTA (Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BTGD is a Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by Quantify Funds, while CTA is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by Simplify. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BTGD returned -42.90% vs 3.52% for CTA. At a 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BTGD charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for CTA.

Performance

BTGD vs. CTA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in STKD Bitcoin & Gold ETF (BTGD) and Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BTGD achieves a -35.83% return, which is significantly lower than CTA's 4.59% return.

BTGD

• 1D: 4.01%
• 1M: 0.82%
• 6M: -42.84%
• YTD: -35.83%
• 1Y: -42.90%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 6.49%

CTA

• 1D: 1.32%
• 1M: 2.38%
• 6M: 2.75%
• YTD: 4.59%
• 1Y: 3.52%
• 3Y*: 9.71%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 7.94%

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

BTGD vs. CTA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BTGD STKD Bitcoin & Gold ETF	-35.83%	34.62%	29.32%
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	4.59%	0.88%	7.70%

Correlation

The correlation between BTGD and CTA is 0.10, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.10
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 16, 2024	0.15

Return for Risk

BTGD vs. CTA — Risk / Return Rank

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

BTGD

BTGD Risk / Return Rank: 3
BTGD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
BTGD Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
BTGD Omega Ratio Rank: 4
BTGD Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
BTGD Martin Ratio Rank: 1

CTA

CTA Risk / Return Rank: 13
CTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
CTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
CTA Omega Ratio Rank: 13
CTA Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
CTA Martin Ratio Rank: 14

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.

BTGD vs. CTA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for STKD Bitcoin & Gold ETF (BTGD) and Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA). 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.

	BTGD	CTA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.74	0.17	-0.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.91	0.37	-1.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.90	1.05	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.73	0.17	-0.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.39	0.49	-1.88

BTGD vs. CTA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BTGD Sharpe Ratio is -0.74, which is lower than the CTA Sharpe Ratio of 0.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BTGD and CTA, 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

BTGD vs. CTA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BTGD drawdown since its inception was -58.79%, which is greater than CTA's maximum drawdown of -20.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BTGD and CTA.

Drawdown Indicators

	BTGD	CTA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.79%	-20.44%	-38.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-58.79%	-20.44%	-38.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-20.44%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-52.99%	-14.18%	-38.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.44%	-5.99%	-11.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	30.90%	7.21%	+23.69%

Volatility

BTGD vs. CTA - Volatility Comparison

STKD Bitcoin & Gold ETF (BTGD) has a higher volatility of 15.69% compared to Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) at 5.46%. This indicates that BTGD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CTA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BTGD	CTA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.69%	5.46%	+10.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	47.88%	18.01%	+29.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	57.94%	20.77%	+37.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	55.96%	16.66%	+39.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	55.96%	16.66%	+39.30%

BTGD vs. CTA - Expense Ratio Comparison

BTGD has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than CTA's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

BTGD vs. CTA - Dividend Comparison

BTGD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.24%, more than CTA's 4.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BTGD STKD Bitcoin & Gold ETF	5.24%	3.36%	0.19%	0.00%	0.00%
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	4.80%	3.19%	4.80%	7.78%	6.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BTGD and CTA in my portfolio?

BTGD and CTA have a correlation of 0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BTGD or CTA?

BTGD has higher volatility (15.69%) compared to CTA (5.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BTGD dropped -58.79% vs CTA's -20.44%.

Which ETF is better, BTGD or CTA?

On 1-year performance, CTA leads with 3.52% vs -42.90% for BTGD. On fees, CTA is cheaper at 0.78% per year. On volatility, CTA has been the lower-risk option at 5.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BTGD or CTA?

Over the 1-year period, CTA has performed better with a 3.52% return vs -42.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BTGD or CTA?

CTA is cheaper with a 0.78% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for BTGD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BTGD or CTA?

BTGD has the higher dividend yield at 5.24%, compared with 4.80% for CTA.

What is the main difference between BTGD and CTA?

BTGD is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while CTA is Systematic Trend. They also come from different issuers: Quantify Funds and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for BTGD and 0.78% for CTA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CTA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.17 vs -0.74), 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.