CANQ vs QQQ
Calamos Nasdaq Equity & 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 | CANQ | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.94% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $22M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.57% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +4.13% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.14% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 13, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CANQ vs QQQ Performance
Calamos Nasdaq Equity & Income ETF (CANQ) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CANQ returned +9.14% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, CANQ is up 4.13% 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 11.2% for CANQ. 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 -12.8% for CANQ 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CANQ charges 0.94% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $94 vs $18 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CANQ currently yields 4.57% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CANQ and QQQ share 13 holdings out of 112 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CANQ or QQQ?
CANQ has an expense ratio of 0.94% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CANQ or QQQ?
Over the past year CANQ returned +9.14% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CANQ annualized +14.81% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CANQ or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 11.2% for CANQ. Worst drawdown: CANQ -12.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CANQ and QQQ?
CANQ and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between CANQ and QQQ?
CANQ and QQQ share 13 common holdings with a 7.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 112 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CANQ or QQQ?
CANQ yields 4.57% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so CANQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.