CPNJ vs QQQ
Calamos Nasdaq-100 Structured Alt Protection ETF - June vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, CPNJ or QQQ?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Growth.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CPNJ | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.18%Best |
| AUM | $44M | $483.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% |
| Holdings | 5 | 107 |
| YTD Return | +3.12% | +21.71%Best |
| 1Y Return | +4.70% | +25.89%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +28.80% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.67% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.5%Best | 17.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -6.0%Best | -22.8% |
| $10,000 over 2.3 years | $11,774 | $16,590Best |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Jun 3, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 3, 2024 to Sep 25, 2026 (2.3 years).
CPNJ vs QQQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 2.3 years both funds cover.
CPNJ vs QQQ Performance
Calamos Nasdaq-100 Structured Alt Protection ETF - June (CPNJ) is an ETF from Calamos Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CPNJ returned +4.70% while QQQ returned +25.89%. Year to date, CPNJ is up 3.12% versus a gain of 21.71% for QQQ.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% compared with 3.5% for CPNJ. 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 -6.0% for CPNJ and -22.8% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CPNJ 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, CPNJ currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of CPNJ and QQQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CPNJ or QQQ?
CPNJ has an expense ratio of 0.69% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $51 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, CPNJ or QQQ?
Over the past year CPNJ returned +4.70% vs +25.89% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CPNJ annualized +7.36% vs +24.62% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, CPNJ or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 3.5% for CPNJ. Worst drawdown: CPNJ -6.0% vs QQQ -22.8%.
Should I hold both CPNJ and QQQ?
CPNJ and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, CPNJ or QQQ?
CPNJ yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than CPNJ?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.