CPSD 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

MetricCPSDQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.69%0.18%
AUM$45M$455.8B
Dividend Yield0.00%0.41%
Holdings5108
YTD Return+3.83%+18.31%
1Y Return+7.23%+25.37%
3Y Return (annualized)-+25.79%
5Y Return (annualized)-+15.20%
Volatility (annualized)2.9%30.6%
Max Drawdown-3.5%-83.0%
Fund FamilyCalamos InvestmentsInvesco (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionDec 2, 2024Mar 10, 1999

CPSD vs QQQ Performance

Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - December (CPSD) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CPSD returned +7.23% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, CPSD is up 3.83% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 2.9% for CPSD. 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 CPSD 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CPSD 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, CPSD currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CPSD or QQQ?

CPSD 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, CPSD or QQQ?

Over the past year CPSD returned +7.23% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CPSD annualized +6.75% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CPSD or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.9% for CPSD. Worst drawdown: CPSD -3.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both CPSD and QQQ?

CPSD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, CPSD or QQQ?

CPSD yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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