CPSY vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCPSYVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.69%0.04%
AUM$26M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.86%
Holdings5568
YTD Return+3.20%+15.80%
1Y Return+6.58%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)2.3%14.6%
Max Drawdown-3.0%-58.8%
Fund FamilyCalamos InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJan 2, 2025Nov 10, 2006

CPSY vs VYM Performance

Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - January (CPSY) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CPSY returned +6.58% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, CPSY is up 3.20% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 2.3% for CPSY. 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 -3.0% for CPSY and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CPSY charges 0.69% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $4 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CPSY currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CPSY or VYM?

CPSY has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CPSY or VYM?

Over the past year CPSY returned +6.58% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CPSY annualized +6.44% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CPSY or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.3% for CPSY. Worst drawdown: CPSY -3.0% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both CPSY and VYM?

CPSY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, CPSY or VYM?

CPSY yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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