BUFR vs. CTA

Last updated Jul 26, 2026

BUFR (FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF) and CTA (Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFR is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by First Trust, while CTA is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by Simplify. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, BUFR returned 12.65%/yr vs 9.57%/yr for CTA. Their -0.13 correlation means they have often moved in opposite directions in the past. BUFR charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for CTA.

Performance

BUFR vs. CTA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) 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, BUFR achieves a 6.48% return, which is significantly higher than CTA's 6.14% return.

BUFR

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.77%
• 6M: 5.68%
• YTD: 6.48%
• 1Y: 12.42%
• 3Y*: 12.65%
• 5Y*: 9.55%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 10.49%

CTA

• 1D: -1.88%
• 1M: 7.04%
• 6M: 2.60%
• YTD: 6.14%
• 1Y: 4.94%
• 3Y*: 9.57%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 8.28%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
BUFR FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF	$41.80M	$42.66M	$45.08M
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	$10.73M	$13.32M	$14.98M

BUFR vs. CTA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUFR FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF	6.48%	12.44%	14.68%	19.63%	-1.60%
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	6.14%	0.88%	24.15%	-2.23%	9.01%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFR and CTA is -0.12, meaning they have often moved in opposite directions in the past. This relationship can weaken or reverse as market conditions change.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	-0.12
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	-0.08
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 8, 2022	-0.13

Return for Risk

BUFR vs. CTA — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFR

BUFR Risk / Return Rank: 84
BUFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
BUFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
BUFR Omega Ratio Rank: 86
BUFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
BUFR Martin Ratio Rank: 90

CTA

CTA Risk / Return Rank: 16
CTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
CTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
CTA Omega Ratio Rank: 16
CTA Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
CTA Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

BUFR vs. CTA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) 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.

	BUFR	CTA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	0.20	+1.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.77	0.41	+2.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.05	+0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.78	0.20	+2.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.53	0.57	+13.97

BUFR vs. CTA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFR Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is higher than the CTA Sharpe Ratio of 0.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFR 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

BUFR vs. CTA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFR drawdown since its inception was -13.73%, smaller than the maximum CTA drawdown of -20.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFR and CTA.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFR	CTA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.73%	-20.44%	+6.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.61%	-20.44%	+15.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.81%	-20.44%	+7.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.73%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.90%	-12.91%	+12.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.05%	-6.01%	+3.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.88%	7.33%	-6.45%

Volatility

BUFR vs. CTA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) is 1.58%, while Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) has a volatility of 5.80%. This indicates that BUFR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CTA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFR	CTA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.58%	5.80%	-4.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.26%	18.29%	-13.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.66%	20.97%	-14.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.47%	16.71%	-6.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.16%	16.71%	-6.55%

BUFR vs. CTA - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFR has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than CTA's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFR vs. CTA - Dividend Comparison

BUFR has not paid dividends to shareholders, while CTA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.73%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUFR FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	4.73%	3.19%	4.80%	7.78%	6.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFR and CTA in my portfolio?

BUFR and CTA have a correlation of -0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUFR or CTA?

CTA has higher volatility (5.80%) compared to BUFR (1.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFR dropped -13.73% vs CTA's -20.44%.

Which ETF is better, BUFR or CTA?

On 3-year performance, BUFR leads with 12.65% vs 9.57% for CTA. On fees, CTA is cheaper at 0.78% per year. On volatility, BUFR has been the lower-risk option at 1.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFR or CTA?

Over the 3-year period, BUFR has performed better with a 12.65% return vs 9.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFR or CTA?

CTA is cheaper with a 0.78% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFR.

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

CTA has the higher dividend yield at 4.73%, compared with 0.00% for BUFR.

What is the main difference between BUFR and CTA?

BUFR is categorized as Defined Outcome, while CTA is Systematic Trend. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for BUFR and 0.78% for CTA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 0.20), 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.