CTAP vs. ESBG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CTAP (Simplify US Equity PLUS Managed Futures Strategy ETF) and ESBG (First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CTAP is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Simplify, while ESBG is a Tactical Allocation fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CTAP charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for ESBG.

Performance

CTAP vs. ESBG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify US Equity PLUS Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTAP) and First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF (ESBG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CTAP achieves a 8.42% return, which is significantly higher than ESBG's -0.25% return.

CTAP

• 1D: -1.08%
• 1M: -12.31%
• YTD: 8.42%
• 6M: 7.64%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ESBG

• 1D: -0.78%
• 1M: -5.48%
• YTD: -0.25%
• 6M: -2.71%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CTAP vs. ESBG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CTAP Simplify US Equity PLUS Managed Futures Strategy ETF	8.42%	2.22%
ESBG First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF	-0.25%	1.99%

Correlation

The correlation between CTAP and ESBG is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 9, 2025	0.27

Return for Risk

CTAP vs. ESBG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify US Equity PLUS Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTAP) and First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF (ESBG). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Drawdowns

CTAP vs. ESBG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CTAP drawdown since its inception was -15.19%, smaller than the maximum ESBG drawdown of -18.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CTAP and ESBG.

Drawdown Indicators

	CTAP	ESBG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.19%	-18.84%	+3.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.07%	-15.41%	+0.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.99%	-6.87%	+3.88%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	CTAP	ESBG	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.37%	26.26%	-1.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.37%	26.26%	-1.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.37%	26.26%	-1.89%

CTAP vs. ESBG - Expense Ratio Comparison

CTAP has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than ESBG's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

CTAP vs. ESBG - Dividend Comparison

CTAP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.73%, more than ESBG's 0.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
CTAP Simplify US Equity PLUS Managed Futures Strategy ETF	0.73%	0.00%
ESBG First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF	0.61%	0.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CTAP and ESBG in my portfolio?

CTAP and ESBG have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, CTAP or ESBG?

On fees, CTAP is cheaper at 0.10% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, CTAP or ESBG?

CTAP is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for ESBG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CTAP or ESBG?

CTAP has the higher dividend yield at 0.73%, compared with 0.61% for ESBG.

What is the main difference between CTAP and ESBG?

CTAP is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while ESBG is Tactical Allocation. They also come from different issuers: Simplify and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for CTAP and 0.95% for ESBG.