CTA vs. VT

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

CTA (Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF) and VT (Vanguard Total World Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CTA is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by Simplify, while VT is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap Index. CTA is actively managed, while VT is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, CTA returned 6.30%/yr vs 19.87%/yr for VT. At a correlation of -0.14, they often move in opposite directions. CTA charges 0.78%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VT.

Performance

CTA vs. VT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CTA achieves a -2.31% return, which is significantly lower than VT's 12.41% return.

CTA

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

VT

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 1.22%
• 6M: 9.67%
• YTD: 12.41%
• 1Y: 24.11%
• 3Y*: 19.87%
• 5Y*: 10.78%
• 10Y*: 12.58%

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

CTA vs. VT - 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%
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	12.41%	22.43%	16.49%	22.02%	-6.19%

Correlation

The correlation between CTA and VT is -0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.09
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.10
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 8, 2022	-0.14

Return for Risk

CTA vs. VT — 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

VT

VT Risk / Return Rank: 66
VT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VT Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
VT Omega Ratio Rank: 66
VT Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VT Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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. VT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT). 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	VT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.07	1.73	-1.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.05	2.41	-2.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.31	-0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.07	2.44	-2.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.20	10.41	-10.61

CTA vs. VT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CTA Sharpe Ratio is -0.07, which is lower than the VT Sharpe Ratio of 1.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CTA and VT, 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. VT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CTA drawdown since its inception was -20.44%, smaller than the maximum VT drawdown of -50.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CTA and VT.

Drawdown Indicators

	CTA	VT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.44%	-50.27%	+29.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.44%	-9.67%	-10.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.44%	-16.51%	-3.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.38%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.85%	-0.72%	-19.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.92%	-6.99%	+1.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.67%	2.26%	+4.41%

Volatility

CTA vs. VT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) is 4.27%, while Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) has a volatility of 4.90%. This indicates that CTA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CTA	VT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.27%	4.90%	-0.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.73%	11.41%	+6.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.44%	13.61%	+6.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.59%	16.19%	+0.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.59%	17.15%	-0.56%

CTA vs. VT - Expense Ratio Comparison

CTA has a 0.78% expense ratio, which is higher than VT's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

CTA vs. VT - Dividend Comparison

CTA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.14%, more than VT's 1.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	5.14%	3.19%	4.80%	7.78%	6.58%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	1.58%	1.82%	1.95%	2.08%	2.20%	1.82%	1.66%	2.32%	2.53%	2.11%	2.39%	2.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CTA and VT in my portfolio?

CTA and VT have a correlation of -0.09, 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 VT?

VT has higher volatility (4.90%) compared to CTA (4.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CTA dropped -20.44% vs VT's -50.27%.

Which ETF is better, CTA or VT?

On 3-year performance, VT leads with 19.87% vs 6.30% for CTA. On fees, VT is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, CTA has been the lower-risk option at 4.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CTA or VT?

Over the 3-year period, VT has performed better with a 19.87% 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 VT?

VT is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for CTA.

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

CTA has the higher dividend yield at 5.14%, compared with 1.58% for VT.

What is the main difference between CTA and VT?

CTA is categorized as Systematic Trend, while VT is Global Equities. They also come from different issuers: Simplify and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.78% for CTA and 0.06% for VT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs -0.07), 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.