CPNQ vs QQQ
Calamos Nasdaq-100 Structured Alt Protection ETF - December vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, CPNQ or QQQ?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Growth.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90.
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 | CPNQ | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.18%Best |
| AUM | $22M | $483.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% |
| Holdings | 5 | 107 |
| YTD Return | +4.30% | +15.18%Best |
| 1Y Return | +6.28% | +19.65%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +24.60% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.94% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.8%Best | 19.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -3.5%Best | -22.8% |
| $10,000 over 1.8 years | $11,270 | $13,834Best |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Dec 2, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.8 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 2, 2024 to Sep 15, 2026 (1.8 years).
CPNQ 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 1.8 years both funds cover.
CPNQ vs QQQ Performance
Calamos Nasdaq-100 Structured Alt Protection ETF - December (CPNQ) is an ETF from Calamos Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CPNQ returned +6.28% while QQQ returned +19.65%. Year to date, CPNQ is up 4.30% versus a gain of 15.18% 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 19.7% compared with 2.8% for CPNQ. 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 -3.5% for CPNQ 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CPNQ 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, CPNQ currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of CPNQ 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, CPNQ or QQQ?
CPNQ 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, CPNQ or QQQ?
Over the past year CPNQ returned +6.28% vs +19.65% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CPNQ annualized +6.87% vs +19.76% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, CPNQ or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 2.8% for CPNQ. Worst drawdown: CPNQ -3.5% vs QQQ -22.8%.
Should I hold both CPNQ and QQQ?
CPNQ and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, CPNQ or QQQ?
CPNQ yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than CPNQ?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.