CTA vs. BTGD

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

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

Performance

CTA vs. BTGD - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

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

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%

BTGD

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

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

CTA vs. BTGD - Yearly Performance Comparison

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

Correlation

The correlation between CTA and BTGD 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

CTA vs. BTGD — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

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

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.

CTA vs. BTGD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

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

CTA vs. BTGD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

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

CTA vs. BTGD - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

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

Volatility

CTA vs. BTGD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) is 5.46%, while STKD Bitcoin & Gold ETF (BTGD) has a volatility of 15.69%. This indicates that CTA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BTGD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

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

CTA vs. BTGD - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

CTA vs. BTGD - Dividend Comparison

CTA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.80%, less than BTGD's 5.24% 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 CTA and BTGD in my portfolio?

CTA and BTGD 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, CTA or BTGD?

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

Which ETF is better, CTA or BTGD?

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, CTA or BTGD?

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, CTA or BTGD?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between CTA and BTGD?

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

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.