CPSU vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCPSUSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.69%0.06%
AUM$26M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.00%3.31%
Holdings5104
YTD Return+2.99%+25.33%
1Y Return+5.40%+32.31%
3Y Return (annualized)-+15.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.70%
Volatility (annualized)1.4%13.6%
Max Drawdown-1.0%-33.4%
Fund FamilyCalamos InvestmentsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 2, 2025Oct 20, 2011

CPSU vs SCHD Performance

Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - June (CPSU) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year CPSU returned +5.40% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, CPSU is up 2.99% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% 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 -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CPSU charges 0.69% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $6 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CPSU currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CPSU or SCHD?

CPSU has an expense ratio of 0.69% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CPSU or SCHD?

Over the past year CPSU returned +5.40% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CPSU annualized +6.10% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CPSU or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 1.4% for CPSU. Worst drawdown: CPSU -1.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both CPSU and SCHD?

CPSU and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, CPSU or SCHD?

CPSU yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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