CPSL vs QQQ
Calamos Laddered S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CPSL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $139M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 14 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +3.42% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.06% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 9, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CPSL vs QQQ Performance
Calamos Laddered S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF (CPSL) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CPSL returned +6.06% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, CPSL is up 3.42% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 2.4% for CPSL. 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 -3.7% for CPSL 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CPSL charges 0.79% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $18 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CPSL currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CPSL and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 114 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CPSL or QQQ?
CPSL has an expense ratio of 0.79% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CPSL or QQQ?
Over the past year CPSL returned +6.06% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CPSL annualized +6.41% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CPSL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.4% for CPSL. Worst drawdown: CPSL -3.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CPSL and QQQ?
CPSL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CPSL and QQQ?
CPSL and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 114 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CPSL or QQQ?
CPSL yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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