WTMF vs. CTA

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

WTMF (WisdomTree Managed Futures Strategy Fund) and CTA (Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - WTMF is a Hedge Fund fund tracking the WisdomTree Managed Futures Index, while CTA is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by Simplify. WTMF is passively managed, while CTA is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, WTMF returned 9.76%/yr vs 6.30%/yr for CTA. At a 0.13 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. WTMF charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for CTA.

Performance

WTMF vs. CTA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Managed Futures Strategy Fund (WTMF) 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, WTMF achieves a 7.97% return, which is significantly higher than CTA's -2.31% return.

WTMF

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 1.94%
• 6M: 5.69%
• YTD: 7.97%
• 1Y: 18.25%
• 3Y*: 9.76%
• 5Y*: 6.14%
• 10Y*: 3.30%

CTA

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: -10.74%
• 6M: -4.35%
• YTD: -2.31%
• 1Y: -1.35%
• 3Y*: 6.30%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

WTMF vs. CTA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
WTMF WisdomTree Managed Futures Strategy Fund	7.97%	12.17%	3.20%	16.72%	-12.23%
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	-2.31%	0.88%	24.15%	-2.23%	9.01%

Correlation

The correlation between WTMF and CTA is 0.21, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.21
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.15
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 8, 2022	0.13

Return for Risk

WTMF vs. CTA — Risk / Return Rank

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

WTMF

WTMF Risk / Return Rank: 84
WTMF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
WTMF Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
WTMF Omega Ratio Rank: 82
WTMF Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
WTMF Martin Ratio Rank: 92

CTA

CTA Risk / Return Rank: 9
CTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
CTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
CTA Omega Ratio Rank: 8
CTA Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
CTA Martin Ratio Rank: 8

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.

WTMF vs. CTA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Managed Futures Strategy Fund (WTMF) 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.

	WTMF	CTA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	-0.07	+2.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.74	0.05	+2.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.01	+0.38
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.54	-0.07	+4.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.02	-0.20	+18.22

WTMF vs. CTA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WTMF Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is higher than the CTA Sharpe Ratio of -0.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WTMF 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

WTMF vs. CTA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WTMF drawdown since its inception was -30.79%, which is greater than CTA's maximum drawdown of -20.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WTMF and CTA.

Drawdown Indicators

	WTMF	CTA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.79%	-20.44%	-10.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.04%	-20.44%	+16.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.93%	-20.44%	+10.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.21%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-14.83%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.99%	-19.85%	+18.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.60%	-5.92%	-11.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.02%	6.67%	-5.65%

Volatility

WTMF vs. CTA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree Managed Futures Strategy Fund (WTMF) is 2.70%, while Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) has a volatility of 4.27%. This indicates that WTMF 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

	WTMF	CTA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.70%	4.27%	-1.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.23%	17.73%	-10.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.08%	20.44%	-11.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.51%	16.59%	-7.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.11%	16.59%	-8.48%

WTMF vs. CTA - Expense Ratio Comparison

WTMF has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than CTA's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

WTMF vs. CTA - Dividend Comparison

WTMF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.82%, less than CTA's 5.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
CTA Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF	5.14%	3.19%	4.80%	7.78%	6.58%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
WTMF WisdomTree Managed Futures Strategy Fund	2.82%	3.04%	3.57%	4.74%	5.29%	14.71%	0.47%	1.63%	3.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WTMF and CTA in my portfolio?

WTMF and CTA have a correlation of 0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WTMF or CTA?

CTA has higher volatility (4.27%) compared to WTMF (2.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WTMF dropped -30.79% vs CTA's -20.44%.

Which ETF is better, WTMF or CTA?

On 3-year performance, WTMF leads with 9.76% vs 6.30% for CTA. On fees, WTMF is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, WTMF has been the lower-risk option at 2.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WTMF or CTA?

Over the 3-year period, WTMF has performed better with a 9.76% return vs 6.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, WTMF or CTA?

WTMF is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for CTA.

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

CTA has the higher dividend yield at 5.14%, compared with 2.82% for WTMF.

What is the main difference between WTMF and CTA?

WTMF is categorized as Hedge Fund, while CTA is Systematic Trend. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for WTMF and 0.78% for CTA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WTMF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs -0.07), 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.