CTA vs. CGL.TO
CTA (Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF) and CGL.TO (iShares Gold Bullion ETF (CAD-Hedged)) are both exchange-traded funds - CTA is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by Simplify, while CGL.TO is a Gold fund tracking the Gold Bullion. CTA is actively managed, while CGL.TO is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, CTA returned 9.41%/yr vs 25.29%/yr for CGL.TO. At a correlation of -0.05, they often move in opposite directions. CTA charges 0.78%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for CGL.TO.
Performance
CTA vs. CGL.TO - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Different Trading Currencies
CTA is traded in USD, while CGL.TO is traded in CAD. To make them comparable, the CGL.TO values have been converted to USD using the latest available exchange rates.
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, CTA achieves a 6.10% return, which is significantly higher than CGL.TO's -5.12% return.
CTA
- 1D
- -1.22%
- 1M
- -10.45%
- YTD
- 6.10%
- 6M
- 8.48%
- 1Y
- 6.45%
- 3Y*
- 9.41%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
CGL.TO
- 1D
- 0.07%
- 1M
- -11.35%
- YTD
- -5.12%
- 6M
- -4.61%
- 1Y
- 16.70%
- 3Y*
- 25.29%
- 5Y*
- 12.44%
- 10Y*
- 10.05%
CTA vs. CGL.TO - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF | 6.10% | 0.88% | 24.15% | -2.23% | 9.01% |
CGL.TO iShares Gold Bullion ETF (CAD-Hedged) | -5.12% | 67.73% | 15.88% | 13.97% | -15.42% |
Correlation
The correlation between CTA and CGL.TO is 0.15, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.15 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.06 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 8, 2022 | -0.05 |
The correlation between CTA and CGL.TO shifts across timeframes, from -0.05 (all time) to 0.15 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
CTA vs. CGL.TO — Risk / Return Rank
CTA
CGL.TO
CTA vs. CGL.TO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) and iShares Gold Bullion ETF (CAD-Hedged) (CGL.TO). 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 | CGL.TO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.39 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.53 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.07 | 1.14 | -0.08 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.44 | 0.70 | -0.26 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 1.24 | 2.00 | -0.76 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
CTA vs. CGL.TO - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum CTA drawdown since its inception was -18.07%, smaller than the maximum CGL.TO drawdown of -62.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CTA and CGL.TO.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| CTA | CGL.TO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -18.07% | -62.05% | +43.98% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -12.94% | -27.17% | +14.23% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -12.94% | -27.17% | +14.23% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -27.17% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -27.17% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -12.94% | -24.91% | +11.97% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.71% | -32.74% | +27.03% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 4.57% | 9.43% | -4.86% |
Volatility
CTA vs. CGL.TO - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) is 6.16%, while iShares Gold Bullion ETF (CAD-Hedged) (CGL.TO) has a volatility of 7.69%. This indicates that CTA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CGL.TO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| CTA | CGL.TO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 6.16% | 7.69% | -1.53% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 17.59% | 24.50% | -6.91% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 20.33% | 28.25% | -7.92% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 16.61% | 19.70% | -3.09% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 16.61% | 17.92% | -1.31% |
CTA vs. CGL.TO - Expense Ratio Comparison
CTA has a 0.78% expense ratio, which is higher than CGL.TO's 0.55% expense ratio.
Dividends
CTA vs. CGL.TO - Dividend Comparison
CTA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.13%, while CGL.TO has not paid dividends to shareholders.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CGL.TO iShares Gold Bullion ETF (CAD-Hedged) | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF | 5.13% | 3.19% | 4.80% | 7.78% | 6.58% |
Frequently Asked Questions
CTA and CGL.TO have a correlation of 0.15, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
On fees, CGL.TO is cheaper at 0.55% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
CGL.TO is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for CTA.
CTA is categorized as Systematic Trend, while CGL.TO is Gold. They also come from different issuers: Simplify and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.78% for CTA and 0.55% for CGL.TO.
Find the right allocation for CTA and CGL.TO
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer