CTA vs. MFUT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CTA (Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF) and MFUT (Cambria Chesapeake Pure Trend ETF) are both Systematic Trend funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, CTA returned 15.57% vs 38.04% for MFUT. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CTA charges 0.78%/yr vs 1.18%/yr for MFUT.

Performance

CTA vs. MFUT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CTA achieves a 12.30% return, which is significantly lower than MFUT's 22.38% return.

CTA

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: -7.86%
• YTD: 12.30%
• 6M: 13.80%
• 1Y: 15.57%
• 3Y*: 11.79%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MFUT

• 1D: 0.45%
• 1M: 4.71%
• YTD: 22.38%
• 6M: 26.08%
• 1Y: 38.04%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CTA vs. MFUT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	12.30%	0.88%	4.35%
MFUT Cambria Chesapeake Pure Trend ETF	22.38%	-1.83%	-16.68%

Correlation

The correlation between CTA and MFUT is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 30, 2024	0.32

The correlation between CTA and MFUT shifts across timeframes, from 0.32 (all time) to 0.45 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

CTA vs. MFUT — Risk / Return Rank

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

CTA

CTA Risk / Return Rank: 24
CTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
CTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
CTA Omega Ratio Rank: 22
CTA Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
CTA Martin Ratio Rank: 26

MFUT

MFUT Risk / Return Rank: 78
MFUT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
MFUT Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
MFUT Omega Ratio Rank: 85
MFUT Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
MFUT Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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. MFUT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) and Cambria Chesapeake Pure Trend ETF (MFUT). 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.

	CTA	MFUT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.78	2.64	-1.86
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.12	3.22	-2.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.52	-0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.42	4.14	-2.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.72	13.37	-9.65
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CTA vs. MFUT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CTA Sharpe Ratio is 0.78, which is lower than the MFUT Sharpe Ratio of 2.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CTA and MFUT, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CTA	MFUT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.78	2.64	-1.86
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.62	0.00	+0.61

Drawdowns

CTA vs. MFUT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CTA drawdown since its inception was -18.07%, smaller than the maximum MFUT drawdown of -29.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CTA and MFUT.

Drawdown Indicators

	CTA	MFUT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.07%	-29.28%	+11.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.00%	-9.23%	-1.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.23%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.86%	-0.56%	-7.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.67%	-16.60%	+10.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.19%	2.85%	+1.34%

Volatility

CTA vs. MFUT - Volatility Comparison

Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) has a higher volatility of 7.76% compared to Cambria Chesapeake Pure Trend ETF (MFUT) at 3.55%. This indicates that CTA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MFUT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CTA	MFUT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.76%	3.55%	+4.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.30%	12.65%	+4.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.12%	14.47%	+5.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.58%	13.38%	+3.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.58%	13.38%	+3.20%

CTA vs. MFUT - Expense Ratio Comparison

CTA has a 0.78% expense ratio, which is lower than MFUT's 1.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

CTA vs. MFUT - Dividend Comparison

CTA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.85%, while MFUT has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	4.85%	3.19%	4.80%	7.78%	6.58%
MFUT Cambria Chesapeake Pure Trend ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.33%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CTA and MFUT in my portfolio?

CTA and MFUT have a correlation of 0.45, 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 MFUT?

CTA has higher volatility (7.76%) compared to MFUT (3.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CTA dropped -18.07% vs MFUT's -29.28%.

Which ETF is better, CTA or MFUT?

On 1-year performance, MFUT leads with 38.04% vs 15.57% for CTA. On fees, CTA is cheaper at 0.78% per year. On volatility, MFUT has been the lower-risk option at 3.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CTA or MFUT?

Over the 1-year period, MFUT has performed better with a 38.04% return vs 15.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CTA or MFUT?

CTA is cheaper with a 0.78% expense ratio, compared with 1.18% for MFUT.

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

CTA has the higher dividend yield at 4.85%, compared with 0.00% for MFUT.

What is the main difference between CTA and MFUT?

They also come from different issuers: Simplify and Cambria. Their fees differ too: 0.78% for CTA and 1.18% for MFUT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MFUT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 0.78), 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.