NXTI vs. CTA
NXTI (Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF) and CTA (Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NXTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the NEXT Intangible Core Index, while CTA is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by Simplify. NXTI is passively managed, while CTA is actively managed. Over the past year, NXTI returned 16.57% vs -0.10% for CTA. At a correlation of -0.06, they often move in opposite directions. NXTI charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for CTA.
Performance
NXTI vs. CTA - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, NXTI achieves a 8.31% return, which is significantly higher than CTA's 0.33% return.
NXTI
- 1D
- -0.12%
- 1M
- 2.50%
- 6M
- 6.75%
- YTD
- 8.31%
- 1Y
- 16.57%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
CTA
- 1D
- 2.70%
- 1M
- -5.44%
- 6M
- -2.22%
- YTD
- 0.33%
- 1Y
- -0.10%
- 3Y*
- 8.19%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
NXTI vs. CTA - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
NXTI Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF | 8.31% | 16.73% | 16.21% |
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF | 0.33% | 0.88% | 8.14% |
Correlation
The correlation between NXTI and CTA is -0.07, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | -0.07 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 16, 2024 | -0.06 |
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Return for Risk
NXTI vs. CTA — Risk / Return Rank
NXTI
CTA
NXTI vs. CTA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF (NXTI) 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.
| NXTI | CTA | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +1.12 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +1.45 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.20 | 1.02 | +0.18 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.28 | -0.00 | +1.29 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 3.40 | -0.01 | +3.42 |
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Drawdowns
NXTI vs. CTA - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum NXTI drawdown since its inception was -19.65%, roughly equal to the maximum CTA drawdown of -20.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NXTI and CTA.
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Drawdown Indicators
| NXTI | CTA | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -19.65% | -20.44% | +0.79% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -12.99% | -20.44% | +7.45% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -20.44% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.70% | -17.68% | +16.98% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.19% | -5.93% | +2.74% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 4.88% | 6.76% | -1.88% |
Volatility
NXTI vs. CTA - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF (NXTI) is 3.22%, while Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) has a volatility of 5.15%. This indicates that NXTI 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
| NXTI | CTA | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.22% | 5.15% | -1.93% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 11.94% | 17.93% | -5.99% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 14.98% | 20.61% | -5.63% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 17.00% | 16.63% | +0.37% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 17.00% | 16.63% | +0.37% |
NXTI vs. CTA - Expense Ratio Comparison
NXTI has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than CTA's 0.78% expense ratio.
Dividends
NXTI vs. CTA - Dividend Comparison
NXTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.55%, less 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% |
NXTI Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF | 0.55% | 0.62% | 3.70% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
NXTI and CTA have a correlation of -0.07, 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 NXTI (3.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NXTI dropped -19.65% vs CTA's -20.44%.
On 1-year performance, NXTI leads with 16.57% vs -0.10% for CTA. On fees, NXTI is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, NXTI has been the lower-risk option at 3.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, NXTI has performed better with a 16.57% return vs -0.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
NXTI is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for CTA.
CTA has the higher dividend yield at 5.00%, compared with 0.55% for NXTI.
NXTI is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while CTA is Systematic Trend. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for NXTI and 0.78% for CTA.
NXTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.11 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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