CBXA 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

MetricCBXAQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.69%0.18%
AUM$4M$455.8B
Dividend Yield2.51%0.41%
Holdings7108
YTD Return-21.73%+19.68%
1Y Return-26.68%+26.75%
3Y Return (annualized)-+26.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+15.39%
Volatility (annualized)16.6%30.6%
Max Drawdown-29.7%-83.0%
Fund FamilyCalamos InvestmentsInvesco (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 7, 2025Mar 10, 1999

CBXA vs QQQ Performance

Calamos Bitcoin 90 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April (CBXA) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CBXA returned -26.68% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, CBXA is down 21.73% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 16.6% for CBXA. 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 -29.7% for CBXA 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CBXA 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, CBXA currently yields 2.51% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CBXA or QQQ?

CBXA 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, CBXA or QQQ?

Over the past year CBXA returned -26.68% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CBXA annualized -9.74% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CBXA or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.6% for CBXA. Worst drawdown: CBXA -29.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both CBXA and QQQ?

CBXA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, CBXA or QQQ?

CBXA yields 2.51% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so CBXA currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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