ESBG vs. CTAP

Last updated Apr 2, 2026

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

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

Performance

ESBG vs. CTAP - Performance Comparison

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

ESBG vs. CTAP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ESBG First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF	2.00%	1.75%
CTAP Simplify US Equity PLUS Managed Futures Strategy ETF	3.68%	2.44%

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESBG achieves a 2.00% return, which is significantly lower than CTAP's 3.68% return.

ESBG

• 1D: 1.58%
• 1M: -11.95%
• YTD: 2.00%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CTAP

• 1D: -1.60%
• 1M: -7.14%
• YTD: 3.68%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ESBG vs. CTAP - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

ESBG

First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF

CTAP

Simplify US Equity PLUS Managed Futures Strategy ETF

Return for Risk

ESBG vs. CTAP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	ESBG	CTAP	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.85	0.99	-0.13

Correlation

The correlation between ESBG and CTAP is 0.60, 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

ESBG vs. CTAP - Dividend Comparison

ESBG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.59%, less than CTAP's 0.76% yield.

	TTM	2025
ESBG First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF	0.59%	0.24%
CTAP Simplify US Equity PLUS Managed Futures Strategy ETF	0.76%	0.00%

Drawdowns

ESBG vs. CTAP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESBG drawdown since its inception was -18.84%, which is greater than CTAP's maximum drawdown of -9.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESBG and CTAP.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESBG	CTAP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.84%	-9.02%	-9.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.50%	-7.14%	-6.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.28%	-2.22%	-2.06%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ESBG	CTAP	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.69%	22.19%	+5.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.69%	22.19%	+5.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.69%	22.19%	+5.50%