CTA vs. CDX

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

CTA (Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF) and CDX (Simplify High Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CTA is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by Simplify, while CDX is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by Simplify. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, CTA returned 6.30%/yr vs 7.92%/yr for CDX. At a correlation of -0.19, they often move in opposite directions. CTA charges 0.78%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for CDX.

Performance

CTA vs. CDX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with CTA having a -2.31% return and CDX slightly higher at -2.30%.

CTA

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: -7.93%
• 6M: -4.35%
• YTD: -2.31%
• 1Y: -2.73%
• 3Y*: 6.30%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CDX

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: -0.76%
• 6M: -2.13%
• YTD: -2.30%
• 1Y: -1.55%
• 3Y*: 7.92%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CTA vs. CDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	-2.31%	0.88%	24.15%	-2.23%	9.01%
CDX Simplify High Yield ETF	-2.30%	9.51%	7.71%	12.74%	-8.28%

Correlation

The correlation between CTA and CDX is -0.20, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.20
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.19
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 8, 2022	-0.19

Return for Risk

CTA vs. CDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CTA

CTA Risk / Return Rank: 9
CTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
CTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
CTA Omega Ratio Rank: 8
CTA Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
CTA Martin Ratio Rank: 8

CDX

CDX Risk / Return Rank: 6
CDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
CDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
CDX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
CDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
CDX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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. CDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) and Simplify High Yield ETF (CDX). 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	CDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.07	-0.26	+0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.05	-0.33	+0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	0.96	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.07	-0.36	+0.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.20	-0.75	+0.55

CTA vs. CDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CTA Sharpe Ratio is -0.07, which is higher than the CDX Sharpe Ratio of -0.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CTA and CDX, 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. CDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CTA drawdown since its inception was -20.44%, which is greater than CDX's maximum drawdown of -13.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CTA and CDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CTA	CDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.44%	-13.24%	-7.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.44%	-4.18%	-16.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.44%	-8.88%	-11.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.85%	-7.28%	-12.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.92%	-4.39%	-1.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.67%	2.00%	+4.67%

Volatility

CTA vs. CDX - Volatility Comparison

Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) has a higher volatility of 4.27% compared to Simplify High Yield ETF (CDX) at 1.76%. This indicates that CTA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CTA	CDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.27%	1.76%	+2.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.73%	5.00%	+12.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.44%	5.81%	+14.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.59%	11.01%	+5.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.59%	11.01%	+5.58%

CTA vs. CDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CTA has a 0.78% expense ratio, which is higher than CDX's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

CTA vs. CDX - Dividend Comparison

CTA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.14%, less than CDX's 8.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
CDX Simplify High Yield ETF	8.31%	7.18%	12.60%	5.26%	7.51%
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	5.14%	3.19%	4.80%	7.78%	6.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CTA and CDX in my portfolio?

CTA and CDX have a correlation of -0.20, 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 CDX?

CTA has higher volatility (4.27%) compared to CDX (1.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CTA dropped -20.44% vs CDX's -13.24%.

Which ETF is better, CTA or CDX?

On 3-year performance, CDX leads with 7.92% vs 6.30% for CTA. On fees, CDX is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, CDX has been the lower-risk option at 1.76%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CTA or CDX?

Over the 3-year period, CDX has performed better with a 7.92% return vs 6.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CTA or CDX?

CDX is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for CTA.

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

CDX has the higher dividend yield at 8.31%, compared with 5.14% for CTA.

What is the main difference between CTA and CDX?

CTA is categorized as Systematic Trend, while CDX is High Yield Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.78% for CTA and 0.25% for CDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CTA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.07 vs -0.26), 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.