GAEM vs. CTA
GAEM (Simplify Gamma Emerging Market Bond ETF) and CTA (Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GAEM is a Emerging Markets Bonds fund actively managed by Simplify, while CTA is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by Simplify. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, GAEM returned 11.61% vs -0.10% for CTA. At a correlation of -0.13, they often move in opposite directions. GAEM charges 0.76%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for CTA.
Performance
GAEM vs. CTA - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, GAEM achieves a 3.89% return, which is significantly higher than CTA's 0.33% return.
GAEM
- 1D
- -0.41%
- 1M
- -0.15%
- 6M
- 3.58%
- YTD
- 3.89%
- 1Y
- 11.61%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
CTA
- 1D
- 2.70%
- 1M
- -5.44%
- 6M
- -2.22%
- YTD
- 0.33%
- 1Y
- -0.10%
- 3Y*
- 8.19%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
GAEM vs. CTA - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
GAEM Simplify Gamma Emerging Market Bond ETF | 3.89% | 13.55% | 3.89% |
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF | 0.33% | 0.88% | 11.51% |
Correlation
The correlation between GAEM and CTA is -0.19, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | -0.19 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 13, 2024 | -0.13 |
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Return for Risk
GAEM vs. CTA — Risk / Return Rank
GAEM
CTA
GAEM vs. CTA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Gamma Emerging Market Bond ETF (GAEM) 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.
| GAEM | CTA | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +2.44 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +3.71 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.48 | 1.02 | +0.46 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.23 | -0.00 | +3.23 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 14.59 | -0.01 | +14.60 |
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Drawdowns
GAEM vs. CTA - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum GAEM drawdown since its inception was -3.84%, smaller than the maximum CTA drawdown of -20.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GAEM and CTA.
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Drawdown Indicators
| GAEM | CTA | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -3.84% | -20.44% | +16.60% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -3.61% | -20.44% | +16.83% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -20.44% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.92% | -17.68% | +16.76% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -0.51% | -5.93% | +5.42% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.80% | 6.76% | -5.96% |
Volatility
GAEM vs. CTA - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Simplify Gamma Emerging Market Bond ETF (GAEM) is 1.54%, while Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) has a volatility of 5.15%. This indicates that GAEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CTA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| GAEM | CTA | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.54% | 5.15% | -3.61% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 3.96% | 17.93% | -13.97% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 4.80% | 20.61% | -15.81% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 4.96% | 16.63% | -11.67% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 4.96% | 16.63% | -11.67% |
GAEM vs. CTA - Expense Ratio Comparison
GAEM has a 0.76% expense ratio, which is lower than CTA's 0.78% expense ratio.
Dividends
GAEM vs. CTA - Dividend Comparison
GAEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.56%, more than CTA's 5.00% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF | 5.00% | 3.19% | 4.80% | 7.78% | 6.58% |
GAEM Simplify Gamma Emerging Market Bond ETF | 6.56% | 6.50% | 3.78% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
GAEM and CTA have a correlation of -0.19, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
CTA has higher volatility (5.15%) compared to GAEM (1.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GAEM dropped -3.84% vs CTA's -20.44%.
On 1-year performance, GAEM leads with 11.61% vs -0.10% for CTA. On fees, GAEM is cheaper at 0.76% per year. On volatility, GAEM has been the lower-risk option at 1.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, GAEM has performed better with a 11.61% return vs -0.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
GAEM is cheaper with a 0.76% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for CTA.
GAEM has the higher dividend yield at 6.56%, compared with 5.00% for CTA.
GAEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Bonds, while CTA is Systematic Trend. Their fees differ too: 0.76% for GAEM and 0.78% for CTA.
GAEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs -0.00), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.
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