RFIX vs. CTA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

RFIX (Simplify Bond Bull ETF) and CTA (Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RFIX 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, RFIX returned -15.38% vs 2.63% for CTA. At a correlation of -0.07, they often move in opposite directions. RFIX charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for CTA.

Performance

RFIX vs. CTA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Bond Bull ETF (RFIX) 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, RFIX achieves a 7.47% return, which is significantly higher than CTA's 0.24% return.

RFIX

• 1D: -2.65%
• 1M: -1.08%
• YTD: 7.47%
• 6M: 3.01%
• 1Y: -15.38%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CTA

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: -12.64%
• YTD: 0.24%
• 6M: -0.16%
• 1Y: 2.63%
• 3Y*: 7.91%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RFIX vs. CTA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
RFIX Simplify Bond Bull ETF	7.47%	-28.43%	-12.22%
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	0.24%	0.88%	4.25%

Correlation

The correlation between RFIX and CTA is -0.15, 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	-0.15
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2024	-0.07

Return for Risk

RFIX vs. CTA — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFIX

RFIX Risk / Return Rank: 5
RFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
RFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
RFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
RFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
RFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

CTA

CTA Risk / Return Rank: 10
CTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
CTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
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.

RFIX vs. CTA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Bond Bull ETF (RFIX) 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.

	RFIX	CTA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.51	0.13	-0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.57	0.31	-0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.94	1.04	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.61	0.15	-0.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.02	0.51	-1.53

RFIX vs. CTA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFIX Sharpe Ratio is -0.51, which is lower than the CTA Sharpe Ratio of 0.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFIX 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

RFIX vs. CTA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFIX drawdown since its inception was -38.79%, which is greater than CTA's maximum drawdown of -18.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFIX and CTA.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFIX	CTA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.79%	-18.07%	-20.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-25.48%	-17.75%	-7.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.75%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-32.57%	-17.75%	-14.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.30%	-5.77%	-18.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.17%	5.13%	+10.04%

Volatility

RFIX vs. CTA - Volatility Comparison

Simplify Bond Bull ETF (RFIX) has a higher volatility of 8.40% compared to Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) at 5.30%. This indicates that RFIX'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

	RFIX	CTA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.40%	5.30%	+3.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.68%	17.77%	+2.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.00%	20.39%	+9.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.01%	16.62%	+14.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.01%	16.62%	+14.39%

RFIX vs. CTA - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFIX has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than CTA's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFIX vs. CTA - Dividend Comparison

RFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.65%, less than CTA's 5.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	5.43%	3.19%	4.80%	7.78%	6.58%
RFIX Simplify Bond Bull ETF	4.65%	5.07%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFIX and CTA in my portfolio?

RFIX and CTA have a correlation of -0.15, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RFIX or CTA?

RFIX has higher volatility (8.40%) compared to CTA (5.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFIX dropped -38.79% vs CTA's -18.07%.

Which ETF is better, RFIX or CTA?

On 1-year performance, CTA leads with 2.63% vs -15.38% for RFIX. On fees, RFIX is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, CTA has been the lower-risk option at 5.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RFIX or CTA?

Over the 1-year period, CTA has performed better with a 2.63% return vs -15.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RFIX or CTA?

RFIX is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for CTA.

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

CTA has the higher dividend yield at 5.43%, compared with 4.65% for RFIX.

What is the main difference between RFIX and CTA?

RFIX is categorized as Nontraditional Bonds, while CTA is Systematic Trend. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for RFIX and 0.78% for CTA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CTA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.13 vs -0.51), 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.