CPSU vs QQQ
Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - June 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 | CPSU | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $27M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.91% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.18% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 2, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CPSU vs QQQ Performance
Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - June (CPSU) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CPSU returned +5.18% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, CPSU is up 2.91% 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 1.4% for CPSU. 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 -1.0% for CPSU 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CPSU 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, CPSU currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CPSU or QQQ?
CPSU 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, CPSU or QQQ?
Over the past year CPSU returned +5.18% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CPSU annualized +5.89% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CPSU or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 1.4% for CPSU. Worst drawdown: CPSU -1.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CPSU and QQQ?
CPSU and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, CPSU or QQQ?
CPSU yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.