CTA vs IVV
Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CTA | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.12% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 125 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +2.75% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.65% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.70% | +21.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 1, 2022 | May 15, 2000 |
CTA vs IVV Performance
Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year CTA returned +5.65% while IVV returned +23.01%. Year to date, CTA is up 2.75% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, CTA compounded at +7.70% per year against +21.77% for IVV. Across the full 4-year window we track, CTA has the edge at +7.43% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CTA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% compared with 15.1% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -20.8% for CTA and -56.5% for IVV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CTA charges 0.75% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CTA currently yields 5.12% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
CTA and IVV share 0 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CTA or IVV?
CTA has an expense ratio of 0.75% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CTA or IVV?
Over the past year CTA returned +5.65% vs +23.01% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), CTA annualized +7.43% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CTA or IVV?
CTA has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: CTA -20.8% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both CTA and IVV?
CTA and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of -0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CTA and IVV?
CTA and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CTA or IVV?
CTA yields 5.12% while IVV yields 1.09%, so CTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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