QQQM vs. CTA

Last updated Jul 26, 2026

QQQM (Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF) and CTA (Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QQQM is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index, while CTA is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by Simplify. QQQM is passively managed, while CTA is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, QQQM returned 22.56%/yr vs 9.57%/yr for CTA. Their -0.10 correlation means they have often moved in opposite directions in the past. QQQM charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for CTA.

Performance

QQQM vs. CTA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM) 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, QQQM achieves a 11.65% return, which is significantly higher than CTA's 6.14% return.

QQQM

• 1D: -1.16%
• 1M: -4.48%
• 6M: 10.14%
• YTD: 11.65%
• 1Y: 21.43%
• 3Y*: 22.56%
• 5Y*: 13.97%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 16.46%

CTA

• 1D: -1.88%
• 1M: 7.04%
• 6M: 2.60%
• YTD: 6.14%
• 1Y: 4.94%
• 3Y*: 9.57%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 8.28%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	$10.73M	$13.32M	$14.98M
QQQM Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF	$905.61M	$924.70M	$1.17B

QQQM vs. CTA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
QQQM Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF	11.65%	20.85%	25.68%	55.01%	-17.42%
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	6.14%	0.88%	24.15%	-2.23%	9.01%

Correlation

The correlation between QQQM and CTA is -0.07, meaning there was essentially no consistent relationship between their historical price movements. Each responded to its own set of market drivers.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	-0.07
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	-0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 8, 2022	-0.10

Return for Risk

QQQM vs. CTA — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQM

QQQM Risk / Return Rank: 49
QQQM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
QQQM Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
QQQM Omega Ratio Rank: 46
QQQM Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
QQQM Martin Ratio Rank: 53

CTA

CTA Risk / Return Rank: 16
CTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
CTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
CTA Omega Ratio Rank: 16
CTA Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
CTA Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

QQQM vs. CTA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM) 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.

	QQQM	CTA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.16	0.20	+0.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.63	0.41	+1.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.05	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.82	0.20	+1.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.19	0.57	+5.62

QQQM vs. CTA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQM Sharpe Ratio is 1.16, which is higher than the CTA Sharpe Ratio of 0.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQM 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

QQQM vs. CTA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQQM drawdown since its inception was -35.04%, which is greater than CTA's maximum drawdown of -20.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQM and CTA.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQM	CTA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.04%	-20.44%	-14.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.96%	-20.44%	+8.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.70%	-20.44%	-2.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.04%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.21%	-12.91%	+4.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.14%	-6.01%	-2.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.52%	7.33%	-3.81%

Volatility

QQQM vs. CTA - Volatility Comparison

Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM) has a higher volatility of 6.65% compared to Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) at 5.80%. This indicates that QQQM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CTA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQQM	CTA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.65%	5.80%	+0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.45%	18.29%	-2.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.82%	20.97%	-2.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.68%	16.71%	+5.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.30%	16.71%	+5.59%

QQQM vs. CTA - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQQM has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than CTA's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQQM vs. CTA - Dividend Comparison

QQQM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.46%, less than CTA's 4.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	4.73%	3.19%	4.80%	7.78%	6.58%	0.00%	0.00%
QQQM Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF	0.46%	0.50%	0.61%	0.65%	0.83%	0.40%	0.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQM and CTA in my portfolio?

QQQM 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.

Which is riskier, QQQM or CTA?

QQQM has higher volatility (6.65%) compared to CTA (5.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQM dropped -35.04% vs CTA's -20.44%.

Which ETF is better, QQQM or CTA?

On 3-year performance, QQQM leads with 22.56% vs 9.57% for CTA. On fees, QQQM is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, CTA has been the lower-risk option at 5.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQM or CTA?

Over the 3-year period, QQQM has performed better with a 22.56% return vs 9.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQM or CTA?

QQQM is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for CTA.

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

CTA has the higher dividend yield at 4.73%, compared with 0.46% for QQQM.

What is the main difference between QQQM and CTA?

QQQM is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while CTA is Systematic Trend. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for QQQM and 0.78% for CTA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.16 vs 0.20), 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.