CAIE vs QQQ
Calamos Autocallable Income ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CAIE | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 14.66% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +9.62% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.40% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CAIE vs QQQ Performance
Calamos Autocallable Income ETF (CAIE) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CAIE returned +19.40% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, CAIE is up 9.62% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 11.0% for CAIE. 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 -7.7% for CAIE and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CAIE charges 0.74% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $18 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CAIE currently yields 14.66% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CAIE and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 103 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, CAIE or QQQ?
CAIE has an expense ratio of 0.74% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CAIE or QQQ?
Over the past year CAIE returned +19.40% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CAIE annualized +22.37% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CAIE or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 11.0% for CAIE. Worst drawdown: CAIE -7.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CAIE and QQQ?
CAIE and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CAIE and QQQ?
CAIE and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAIE or QQQ?
CAIE yields 14.66% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so CAIE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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