CTA vs IVV
Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Which is better, CTA or IVV?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CTA | IVV |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $1.6B | $876.4B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.26% | 1.06% |
| Holdings | 126 | 508 |
| YTD Return | +14.11%Best | +12.39% |
| 1Y Return | +13.83% | +16.61%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.68% | +21.38%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.51% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -20.8%Best | -22.1% |
| $10,000 over 4.5 years | $15,205 | $19,463Best |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | iShares by BlackRock (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Mar 1, 2022 | May 15, 2000 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 8, 2022 to Sep 18, 2026 (4.5 years).
CTA vs IVV growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 4.5 years both funds cover.
CTA vs IVV Performance
Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) is an ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year CTA returned +13.83% while IVV returned +16.61%. Year to date, CTA is up 14.11% versus a gain of 12.39% for IVV.
Over three years, CTA compounded at +9.68% per year against +21.38% for IVV.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CTA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% compared with 15.8% 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 -22.1% for IVV. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.26. They move largely independently of each other.
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 5.26% against 1.06% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in CTA and 490 in IVV, totalling 71.0% and 99.3% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in CTA and 490 in IVV, against full books of 126 and 508.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of CTA and IVV you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $72 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, CTA or IVV?
Over the past year CTA returned +13.83% vs +16.61% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, CTA or IVV?
CTA has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.8% for IVV. Worst drawdown: CTA -20.8% vs IVV -22.1%.
Should I hold both CTA and IVV?
CTA and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of -0.26, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, CTA or IVV?
CTA yields 5.26% while IVV yields 1.06%, so CTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is IVV better than CTA?
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.