CPSN vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCPSNVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.69%0.03%
AUM$35M$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.07%
Holdings53,543
YTD Return+4.03%+14.22%
1Y Return+6.40%+22.19%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.23%
Volatility (annualized)2.5%15.3%
Max Drawdown-3.2%-56.6%
Fund FamilyCalamos InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionNov 1, 2024May 24, 2001

CPSN vs VTI Performance

Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - November (CPSN) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CPSN returned +6.40% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, CPSN is up 4.03% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CPSN charges 0.69% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $3 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CPSN currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CPSN or VTI?

CPSN has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CPSN or VTI?

Over the past year CPSN returned +6.40% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CPSN annualized +6.39% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CPSN or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.5% for CPSN. Worst drawdown: CPSN -3.2% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both CPSN and VTI?

CPSN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

Which pays a higher dividend, CPSN or VTI?

CPSN yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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