KNRG vs. CTA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

KNRG (Simplify Kayne Anderson Energy and Infrastructure Credit ETF) and CTA (Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KNRG is a Nontraditional 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, KNRG returned 9.32% vs 15.57% for CTA. At a correlation of -0.16, they often move in opposite directions. KNRG charges 0.76%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for CTA.

Performance

KNRG vs. CTA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Kayne Anderson Energy and Infrastructure Credit ETF (KNRG) 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, KNRG achieves a 2.38% return, which is significantly lower than CTA's 12.30% return.

KNRG

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 2.38%
• 6M: 2.49%
• 1Y: 9.32%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CTA

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: -7.86%
• YTD: 12.30%
• 6M: 13.80%
• 1Y: 15.57%
• 3Y*: 11.79%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

KNRG vs. CTA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
KNRG Simplify Kayne Anderson Energy and Infrastructure Credit ETF	2.38%	7.33%
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	12.30%	2.83%

Correlation

The correlation between KNRG and CTA is -0.17, 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	-0.17
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 29, 2025	-0.16

KNRG vs. CTA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KNRG	CTA
Utilities	100.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-49.1%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

KNRG vs. CTA — Risk / Return Rank

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

KNRG

KNRG Risk / Return Rank: 82
KNRG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
KNRG Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
KNRG Omega Ratio Rank: 89
KNRG Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
KNRG Martin Ratio Rank: 82

CTA

CTA Risk / Return Rank: 24
CTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
CTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
CTA Omega Ratio Rank: 22
CTA Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
CTA Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

KNRG vs. CTA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Kayne Anderson Energy and Infrastructure Credit ETF (KNRG) 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.

	KNRG	CTA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.66	0.78	+1.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.99	1.12	+2.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.56	1.15	+0.41
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.46	1.42	+2.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.11	3.72	+12.39
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

KNRG vs. CTA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KNRG Sharpe Ratio is 2.66, which is higher than the CTA Sharpe Ratio of 0.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KNRG 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	KNRG	CTA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.66	0.78	+1.89
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.77	0.62	+2.16

Drawdowns

KNRG vs. CTA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KNRG drawdown since its inception was -2.71%, smaller than the maximum CTA drawdown of -18.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KNRG and CTA.

Drawdown Indicators

	KNRG	CTA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.71%	-18.07%	+15.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.71%	-11.00%	+8.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.23%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.13%	-7.86%	+7.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.34%	-5.67%	+5.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.58%	4.19%	-3.61%

Volatility

KNRG vs. CTA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Simplify Kayne Anderson Energy and Infrastructure Credit ETF (KNRG) is 0.74%, while Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) has a volatility of 7.76%. This indicates that KNRG 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

	KNRG	CTA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.74%	7.76%	-7.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.17%	17.30%	-15.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.54%	20.12%	-16.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.53%	16.58%	-13.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.53%	16.58%	-13.05%

KNRG vs. CTA - Expense Ratio Comparison

KNRG has a 0.76% expense ratio, which is lower than CTA's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

KNRG vs. CTA - Dividend Comparison

KNRG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.95%, more than CTA's 4.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	4.85%	3.19%	4.80%	7.78%	6.58%
KNRG Simplify Kayne Anderson Energy and Infrastructure Credit ETF	6.95%	4.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KNRG and CTA in my portfolio?

KNRG and CTA have a correlation of -0.17, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KNRG or CTA?

CTA has higher volatility (7.76%) compared to KNRG (0.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KNRG dropped -2.71% vs CTA's -18.07%.

Which ETF is better, KNRG or CTA?

On 1-year performance, CTA leads with 15.57% vs 9.32% for KNRG. On fees, KNRG is cheaper at 0.76% per year. On volatility, KNRG has been the lower-risk option at 0.74%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KNRG or CTA?

Over the 1-year period, CTA has performed better with a 15.57% return vs 9.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KNRG or CTA?

KNRG is cheaper with a 0.76% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for CTA.

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

KNRG has the higher dividend yield at 6.95%, compared with 4.85% for CTA.

What is the main difference between KNRG and CTA?

KNRG is categorized as Nontraditional Bonds, while CTA is Systematic Trend. Their fees differ too: 0.76% for KNRG and 0.78% for CTA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KNRG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.66 vs 0.78), 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.