CPSN vs QQQ
Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - November 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 | CPSN | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $32M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +3.92% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.23% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 1, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CPSN vs QQQ Performance
Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - November (CPSN) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CPSN returned +6.23% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, CPSN is up 3.92% 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 2.5% for CPSN. 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 -3.2% for CPSN 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CPSN 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, CPSN currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CPSN or QQQ?
CPSN 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, CPSN or QQQ?
Over the past year CPSN returned +6.23% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CPSN annualized +6.25% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CPSN or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.5% for CPSN. Worst drawdown: CPSN -3.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CPSN and QQQ?
CPSN and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, CPSN or QQQ?
CPSN yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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