RSBT vs. CTA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RSBT (Return Stacked Bonds & Managed Futures ETF) and CTA (Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RSBT is a Nontraditional Bonds fund actively managed by Return Stacked, while CTA is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by Simplify. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, RSBT returned 4.98%/yr vs 11.79%/yr for CTA. At a 0.17 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RSBT charges 0.97%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for CTA.

Performance

RSBT vs. CTA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Return Stacked Bonds & Managed Futures ETF (RSBT) 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, RSBT achieves a 10.49% return, which is significantly lower than CTA's 12.30% return.

RSBT

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 3.56%
• YTD: 10.49%
• 6M: 12.19%
• 1Y: 28.83%
• 3Y*: 4.98%
• 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)

RSBT vs. CTA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
RSBT Return Stacked Bonds & Managed Futures ETF	10.49%	10.31%	-2.90%	-11.91%
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	12.30%	0.88%	24.15%	0.30%

Correlation

The correlation between RSBT and CTA is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.17
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 9, 2023	0.17

The correlation between RSBT and CTA shifts across timeframes, from 0.17 (all time) to 0.27 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

RSBT vs. CTA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RSBT	CTA
Financial Services	184.1%	-49.1%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

RSBT vs. CTA — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSBT

RSBT Risk / Return Rank: 66
RSBT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
RSBT Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
RSBT Omega Ratio Rank: 61
RSBT Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
RSBT Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

RSBT vs. CTA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Return Stacked Bonds & Managed Futures ETF (RSBT) 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.

	RSBT	CTA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.07	0.78	+1.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.69	1.12	+1.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.15	+0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.58	1.42	+3.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.25	3.72	+8.53
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RSBT vs. CTA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSBT Sharpe Ratio is 2.07, which is higher than the CTA Sharpe Ratio of 0.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSBT 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

	RSBT	CTA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.07	0.78	+1.29
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.09	0.62	-0.52

Drawdowns

RSBT vs. CTA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSBT drawdown since its inception was -23.60%, which is greater than CTA's maximum drawdown of -18.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSBT and CTA.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSBT	CTA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.60%	-18.07%	-5.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.33%	-11.00%	+4.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.98%	-11.23%	-7.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.15%	-7.86%	+7.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.64%	-5.67%	-6.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.36%	4.19%	-1.83%

Volatility

RSBT vs. CTA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Return Stacked Bonds & Managed Futures ETF (RSBT) is 3.10%, while Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) has a volatility of 7.76%. This indicates that RSBT 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

	RSBT	CTA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.10%	7.76%	-4.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.97%	17.30%	-7.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.99%	20.12%	-6.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.68%	16.58%	-2.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.68%	16.58%	-2.90%

RSBT vs. CTA - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSBT has a 0.97% expense ratio, which is higher than CTA's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

RSBT vs. CTA - Dividend Comparison

RSBT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.90%, less 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%
RSBT Return Stacked Bonds & Managed Futures ETF	2.90%	3.20%	0.00%	2.38%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSBT and CTA in my portfolio?

RSBT and CTA have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RSBT or CTA?

CTA has higher volatility (7.76%) compared to RSBT (3.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSBT dropped -23.60% vs CTA's -18.07%.

Which ETF is better, RSBT or CTA?

On 3-year performance, CTA leads with 11.79% vs 4.98% for RSBT. On fees, CTA is cheaper at 0.78% per year. On volatility, RSBT has been the lower-risk option at 3.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RSBT or CTA?

Over the 3-year period, CTA has performed better with a 11.79% return vs 4.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSBT or CTA?

CTA is cheaper with a 0.78% expense ratio, compared with 0.97% for RSBT.

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

CTA has the higher dividend yield at 4.85%, compared with 2.90% for RSBT.

What is the main difference between RSBT and CTA?

RSBT is categorized as Nontraditional Bonds, while CTA is Systematic Trend. They also come from different issuers: Return Stacked and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.97% for RSBT and 0.78% for CTA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RSBT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 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.