HIDE vs. CTA

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

HIDE (Alpha Architect High Inflation And Deflation ETF) and CTA (Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HIDE is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while CTA is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by Simplify. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, HIDE returned 3.84%/yr vs 8.28%/yr for CTA. At a 0.03 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HIDE charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for CTA.

Performance

HIDE vs. CTA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect High Inflation And Deflation ETF (HIDE) and Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HIDE achieves a 5.21% return, which is significantly higher than CTA's 1.30% return.

HIDE

• 1D: -0.00%
• 1M: -2.27%
• YTD: 5.21%
• 6M: 5.33%
• 1Y: 8.79%
• 3Y*: 3.84%
• 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)

HIDE vs. CTA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
HIDE Alpha Architect High Inflation And Deflation ETF	5.21%	5.32%	-0.85%	2.46%	-0.17%
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	1.30%	0.88%	24.15%	-2.23%	-2.57%

Correlation

The correlation between HIDE and CTA is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.04
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2022	0.03

Over the past year, HIDE and CTA have become more correlated (0.33) than their long-term average of 0.03, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

HIDE vs. CTA — Risk / Return Rank

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

HIDE

HIDE Risk / Return Rank: 60
HIDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
HIDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
HIDE Omega Ratio Rank: 65
HIDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
HIDE Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

HIDE vs. CTA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect High Inflation And Deflation ETF (HIDE) 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.

	HIDE	CTA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	0.13	+1.78
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.62	0.31	+2.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.04	+0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.71	0.16	+2.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.49	0.54	+10.95

HIDE vs. CTA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HIDE Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is higher than the CTA Sharpe Ratio of 0.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HIDE and CTA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

HIDE vs. CTA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HIDE drawdown since its inception was -5.15%, smaller than the maximum CTA drawdown of -18.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HIDE and CTA.

Drawdown Indicators

	HIDE	CTA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.15%	-18.07%	+12.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.25%	-16.89%	+13.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.15%	-16.89%	+11.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.18%	-16.89%	+13.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.96%	-5.76%	+4.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.77%	5.02%	-4.25%

Volatility

HIDE vs. CTA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Alpha Architect High Inflation And Deflation ETF (HIDE) is 1.49%, while Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) has a volatility of 5.33%. This indicates that HIDE 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.

Volatility by Period

	HIDE	CTA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.49%	5.33%	-3.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.08%	17.75%	-13.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.63%	20.40%	-15.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.29%	16.61%	-12.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.29%	16.61%	-12.32%

HIDE vs. CTA - Expense Ratio Comparison

HIDE has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than CTA's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

HIDE vs. CTA - Dividend Comparison

HIDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.01%, less than CTA's 5.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	5.38%	3.19%	4.80%	7.78%	6.58%
HIDE Alpha Architect High Inflation And Deflation ETF	3.01%	3.16%	2.86%	3.90%	6.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HIDE and CTA in my portfolio?

HIDE and CTA have a correlation of 0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HIDE or CTA?

CTA has higher volatility (5.33%) compared to HIDE (1.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HIDE dropped -5.15% vs CTA's -18.07%.

Which ETF is better, HIDE or CTA?

On 3-year performance, CTA leads with 8.28% vs 3.84% for HIDE. On fees, HIDE is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, HIDE has been the lower-risk option at 1.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HIDE or CTA?

Over the 3-year period, CTA has performed better with a 8.28% return vs 3.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HIDE or CTA?

HIDE is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for CTA.

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

CTA has the higher dividend yield at 5.38%, compared with 3.01% for HIDE.

What is the main difference between HIDE and CTA?

HIDE is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while CTA is Systematic Trend. They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for HIDE and 0.78% for CTA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HIDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 0.13), 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.