Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCBTAVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.69%0.04%
AUM$5M$79.0B
Dividend Yield1.21%2.86%
Holdings7568
YTD Return-25.23%+15.80%
1Y Return-33.99%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)24.9%14.6%
Max Drawdown-39.8%-58.8%
Fund FamilyCalamos InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 7, 2025Nov 10, 2006

CBTA vs VYM Performance

Calamos Bitcoin 80 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April (CBTA) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CBTA returned -33.99% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, CBTA is down 25.23% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

CBTA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.9% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -39.8% for CBTA and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CBTA charges 0.69% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $4 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CBTA currently yields 1.21% against 2.86% for VYM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CBTA or VYM?

CBTA has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CBTA or VYM?

Over the past year CBTA returned -33.99% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CBTA annualized -11.21% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CBTA or VYM?

CBTA has been the more volatile fund at 24.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CBTA -39.8% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both CBTA and VYM?

CBTA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, CBTA or VYM?

CBTA yields 1.21% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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