SPQ vs. CTA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SPQ (Simplify US Equity Plus QIS ETF) and CTA (Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SPQ is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Simplify, while CTA is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by Simplify. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.02, they often move in opposite directions. SPQ charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for CTA.

Performance

SPQ vs. CTA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify US Equity Plus QIS ETF (SPQ) and Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

SPQ

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 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)

SPQ vs. CTA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SPQ Simplify US Equity Plus QIS ETF	0.00%	-4.67%	20.38%	5.51%
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	12.30%	0.88%	24.15%	-2.03%

Correlation

The correlation between SPQ and CTA is -0.02, 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 15, 2023	-0.02

SPQ vs. CTA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPQ	CTA
Technology	31.7%	-
Financial Services	14.0%	-49.1%
Healthcare	10.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.4%	-
Communication Services	9.5%	-
Industrials	7.7%	-
Consumer Defensive	6.2%	-
Energy	3.2%	-
Utilities	2.6%	-
Real Estate	2.3%	-
Basic Materials	1.8%	-

Return for Risk

SPQ vs. CTA — Risk / Return Rank

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

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.

SPQ vs. CTA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify US Equity Plus QIS ETF (SPQ) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SPQ	CTA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.78	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.62	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	SPQ	CTA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-18.07%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.00%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.23%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-7.86%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-5.67%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.19%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SPQ	CTA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.76%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	17.30%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	20.12%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	16.58%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	16.58%	—

SPQ vs. CTA - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPQ has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than CTA's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPQ vs. CTA - Dividend Comparison

SPQ has not paid dividends to shareholders, while CTA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.85%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	4.85%	3.19%	4.80%	7.78%	6.58%
SPQ Simplify US Equity Plus QIS ETF	0.00%	0.31%	17.17%	1.68%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPQ and CTA in my portfolio?

SPQ and CTA have a correlation of -0.02, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SPQ or CTA?

On fees, CTA is cheaper at 0.78% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPQ or CTA?

CTA is cheaper with a 0.78% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for SPQ.

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

CTA has the higher dividend yield at 4.85%, compared with 0.00% for SPQ.

What is the main difference between SPQ and CTA?

SPQ is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while CTA is Systematic Trend. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for SPQ and 0.78% for CTA.