CBTY vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCBTYQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.69%0.18%
AUM$5M$455.8B
Dividend Yield1.65%0.41%
Holdings5108
YTD Return-11.34%+17.46%
1Y Return-23.63%+26.02%
3Y Return (annualized)-+25.51%
5Y Return (annualized)-+15.12%
Volatility (annualized)11.8%30.6%
Max Drawdown-27.8%-83.0%
Fund FamilyCalamos InvestmentsInvesco (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJul 8, 2025Mar 10, 1999

CBTY vs QQQ Performance

Calamos Bitcoin 80 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - July (CBTY) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CBTY returned -23.63% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, CBTY is down 11.34% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 11.8% for CBTY. 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 -27.8% for CBTY 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CBTY charges 0.69% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $18 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CBTY currently yields 1.65% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CBTY or QQQ?

CBTY has an expense ratio of 0.69% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CBTY or QQQ?

Over the past year CBTY returned -23.63% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CBTY annualized -18.60% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CBTY or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 11.8% for CBTY. Worst drawdown: CBTY -27.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both CBTY and QQQ?

CBTY and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, CBTY or QQQ?

CBTY yields 1.65% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so CBTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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