CTAP vs. ESBG

Last updated Apr 1, 2026

Compare and contrast key facts about Simplify US Equity PLUS Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTAP) and First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF (ESBG).

CTAP and ESBG are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. CTAP is an actively managed fund by Simplify. It was launched on Dec 8, 2025. ESBG is an actively managed fund by First Trust. It was launched on Nov 19, 2025.

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.

CTAP vs. ESBG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CTAP Simplify US Equity PLUS Managed Futures Strategy ETF	5.36%	2.44%
ESBG First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF	0.41%	1.75%

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CTAP achieves a 5.36% return, which is significantly higher than ESBG's 0.41% return.

CTAP

• 1D: 1.18%
• 1M: -5.40%
• YTD: 5.36%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ESBG

• 1D: 4.04%
• 1M: -12.65%
• YTD: 0.41%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CTAP vs. ESBG - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

ESBG

First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF

CTAP

Simplify US Equity PLUS Managed Futures Strategy ETF

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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CTAP	ESBG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.31	0.67	+0.64

Correlation

The correlation between CTAP and ESBG is 0.63, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.

Dividends

CTAP vs. ESBG - Dividend Comparison

CTAP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%, more than ESBG's 0.60% yield.

	TTM	2025
CTAP Simplify US Equity PLUS Managed Futures Strategy ETF	0.75%	0.00%
ESBG First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF	0.60%	0.24%

Drawdowns

CTAP vs. ESBG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CTAP drawdown since its inception was -9.02%, 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	-9.02%	-18.84%	+9.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.64%	-14.85%	+9.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.15%	-4.18%	+2.03%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	CTAP	ESBG	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.12%	27.73%	-5.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.12%	27.73%	-5.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.12%	27.73%	-5.61%