CPST vs VTI
Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CPST | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $33M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +3.74% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.93% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 3, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
CPST vs VTI Performance
Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September (CPST) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CPST returned +5.93% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, CPST is up 3.74% versus a gain of 12.65% 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 CPST. 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 -3.8% for CPST 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CPST 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, CPST currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
CPST and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2788 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, CPST or VTI?
CPST 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, CPST or VTI?
Over the past year CPST returned +5.93% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CPST annualized +6.59% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CPST or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.5% for CPST. Worst drawdown: CPST -3.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CPST and VTI?
CPST and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between CPST and VTI?
CPST and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CPST or VTI?
CPST yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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