ESBG vs. CTAP

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ESBG (First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF) and CTAP (Simplify US Equity PLUS Managed Futures Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ESBG is a Tactical Allocation fund actively managed by First Trust, while CTAP is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Simplify. Both are actively managed. At a 0.23 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ESBG charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for CTAP.

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.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESBG achieves a 5.13% return, which is significantly lower than CTAP's 21.95% return.

ESBG

• 1D: -1.16%
• 1M: 1.36%
• YTD: 5.13%
• 6M: 6.51%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CTAP

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: -3.24%
• YTD: 21.95%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ESBG vs. CTAP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ESBG First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF	5.13%	1.75%
CTAP Simplify US Equity PLUS Managed Futures Strategy ETF	21.95%	2.44%

Correlation

The correlation between ESBG and CTAP is 0.23, 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 10, 2025	0.23

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	0.88	2.50	-1.62

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	-10.85%	-4.47%	-6.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.24%	-2.18%	-4.06%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ESBG	CTAP	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.27%	23.94%	+1.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.27%	23.94%	+1.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.27%	23.94%	+1.33%

ESBG vs. CTAP - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

ESBG vs. CTAP - Dividend Comparison

ESBG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.58%, less than CTAP's 0.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
CTAP Simplify US Equity PLUS Managed Futures Strategy ETF	0.65%	0.00%
ESBG First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF	0.58%	0.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESBG and CTAP in my portfolio?

ESBG and CTAP have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ESBG or CTAP?

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, ESBG or CTAP?

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

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

CTAP has the higher dividend yield at 0.65%, compared with 0.58% for ESBG.

What is the main difference between ESBG and CTAP?

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