SBAR vs. CTA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SBAR (Simplify Barrier Income ETF) and CTA (Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SBAR is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Simplify, while CTA is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by Simplify. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SBAR returned 12.00% vs 15.57% for CTA. At a correlation of -0.08, they often move in opposite directions. SBAR charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for CTA.

Performance

SBAR vs. CTA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Barrier Income ETF (SBAR) 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, SBAR achieves a 2.69% return, which is significantly lower than CTA's 12.30% return.

SBAR

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 1.82%
• YTD: 2.69%
• 6M: 4.14%
• 1Y: 12.00%
• 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)

SBAR vs. CTA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SBAR Simplify Barrier Income ETF	2.69%	13.80%
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	12.30%	0.40%

Correlation

The correlation between SBAR and CTA is -0.06, 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	-0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 16, 2025	-0.08

SBAR vs. CTA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SBAR	CTA
Financial Services	82.0%	-49.1%
Technology	33.1%	-
Communication Services	10.7%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	-
Healthcare	9.8%	-
Industrials	8.7%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.4%	-
Energy	3.5%	-
Utilities	2.5%	-
Real Estate	2.0%	-
Basic Materials	1.9%	-

Return for Risk

SBAR vs. CTA — Risk / Return Rank

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

SBAR

SBAR Risk / Return Rank: 41
SBAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
SBAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
SBAR Omega Ratio Rank: 36
SBAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
SBAR Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

SBAR vs. CTA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Barrier Income ETF (SBAR) 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.

	SBAR	CTA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.35	0.78	+0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.98	1.12	+0.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.15	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.26	1.42	+0.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.43	3.72	+4.71
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SBAR vs. CTA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SBAR Sharpe Ratio is 1.35, which is higher than the CTA Sharpe Ratio of 0.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SBAR 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

	SBAR	CTA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.35	0.78	+0.57
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.52	0.62	+0.90

Drawdowns

SBAR vs. CTA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SBAR drawdown since its inception was -5.32%, smaller than the maximum CTA drawdown of -18.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SBAR and CTA.

Drawdown Indicators

	SBAR	CTA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.32%	-18.07%	+12.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.32%	-11.00%	+5.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.23%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.31%	-7.86%	+7.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.93%	-5.67%	+4.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.43%	4.19%	-2.76%

Volatility

SBAR vs. CTA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Simplify Barrier Income ETF (SBAR) is 2.29%, while Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) has a volatility of 7.76%. This indicates that SBAR 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

	SBAR	CTA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.29%	7.76%	-5.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.66%	17.30%	-11.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.97%	20.12%	-11.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.80%	16.58%	-6.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.80%	16.58%	-6.78%

SBAR vs. CTA - Expense Ratio Comparison

SBAR has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than CTA's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

SBAR vs. CTA - Dividend Comparison

SBAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.68%, 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%
SBAR Simplify Barrier Income ETF	12.68%	8.56%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SBAR and CTA in my portfolio?

SBAR and CTA have a correlation of -0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SBAR or CTA?

CTA has higher volatility (7.76%) compared to SBAR (2.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SBAR dropped -5.32% vs CTA's -18.07%.

Which ETF is better, SBAR or CTA?

On 1-year performance, CTA leads with 15.57% vs 12.00% for SBAR. On fees, SBAR is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, SBAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SBAR or CTA?

Over the 1-year period, CTA has performed better with a 15.57% return vs 12.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SBAR or CTA?

SBAR is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for CTA.

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

SBAR has the higher dividend yield at 12.68%, compared with 4.85% for CTA.

What is the main difference between SBAR and CTA?

SBAR is categorized as Derivative Income, while CTA is Systematic Trend. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for SBAR and 0.78% for CTA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SBAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.35 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.