EQLS vs. CTA

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

EQLS (Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF) and CTA (Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EQLS is a Long-Short fund actively managed by Simplify, while CTA is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by Simplify. Both are actively managed. At a 0.04 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EQLS charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for CTA.

Performance

EQLS vs. CTA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF (EQLS) and Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

EQLS

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CTA

• 1D: -0.85%
• 1M: -11.72%
• YTD: 1.30%
• 6M: 1.33%
• 1Y: 2.69%
• 3Y*: 8.28%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EQLS vs. CTA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
EQLS Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF	0.00%	6.82%	-4.82%	-3.67%
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	1.30%	0.88%	24.15%	-1.44%

Correlation

The correlation between EQLS and CTA is 0.04, 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.04
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2023	0.04

Return for Risk

EQLS vs. CTA — Risk / Return Rank

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

EQLS

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

CTA

CTA Risk / Return Rank: 10
CTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
CTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
CTA Omega Ratio Rank: 10
CTA Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
CTA Martin Ratio Rank: 11

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.

EQLS vs. CTA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF (EQLS) and Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA). 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.

	EQLS	CTA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.13	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	0.31	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.04	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	0.16	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	0.54	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	EQLS	CTA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-18.07%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-16.89%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-16.89%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-5.76%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	5.02%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	EQLS	CTA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.33%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	17.75%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	20.40%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	16.61%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	16.61%	—

EQLS vs. CTA - Expense Ratio Comparison

EQLS has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than CTA's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

EQLS vs. CTA - Dividend Comparison

EQLS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while CTA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.38%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	5.38%	3.19%	4.80%	7.78%	6.58%
EQLS Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF	0.00%	0.45%	0.95%	8.50%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EQLS and CTA in my portfolio?

EQLS and CTA have a correlation of 0.04, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, EQLS or CTA?

On fees, CTA is cheaper at 0.78% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, EQLS or CTA?

CTA is cheaper with a 0.78% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for EQLS.

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

CTA has the higher dividend yield at 5.38%, compared with 0.00% for EQLS.

What is the main difference between EQLS and CTA?

EQLS is categorized as Long-Short, while CTA is Systematic Trend. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for EQLS and 0.78% for CTA.