CBTJ vs VYM

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

MetricCBTJVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.69%0.04%
AUM$24M$79.0B
Dividend Yield1.83%2.86%
Holdings7568
YTD Return-21.61%+16.16%
1Y Return-38.78%+26.05%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.43%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.21%
Volatility (annualized)22.2%14.6%
Max Drawdown-42.4%-58.8%
Fund FamilyCalamos InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionFeb 4, 2025Nov 10, 2006

CBTJ vs VYM Performance

Calamos Bitcoin 80 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - January (CBTJ) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CBTJ returned -38.78% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, CBTJ is down 21.61% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

CBTJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.2% 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 -42.4% for CBTJ 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

CBTJ 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, CBTJ currently yields 1.83% against 2.86% for VYM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CBTJ or VYM?

CBTJ 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, CBTJ or VYM?

Over the past year CBTJ returned -38.78% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CBTJ annualized -20.03% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CBTJ or VYM?

CBTJ has been the more volatile fund at 22.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CBTJ -42.4% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both CBTJ and VYM?

CBTJ 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, CBTJ or VYM?

CBTJ yields 1.83% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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