CSQ vs VOO
Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. CSQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CSQ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5.0B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.90% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 816 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +14.03% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.17% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.16% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.63% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2004 | Sep 7, 2010 |
CSQ vs VOO Performance
Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund (CSQ) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CSQ returned +23.17% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, CSQ is up 14.03% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, CSQ compounded at +21.16% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.63% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +3.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CSQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -72.7% for CSQ and -34.3% for VOO. 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
CSQ charges 2.03% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $203 vs $3 annually, a gap of $200 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CSQ currently yields 5.90% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
CSQ and VOO share 146 holdings out of 811 unique holdings combined, representing a 54.8% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CSQ or VOO?
CSQ has an expense ratio of 2.03% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $200 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CSQ or VOO?
Over the past year CSQ returned +23.17% vs +23.01% for VOO, so CSQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CSQ annualized +3.44% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CSQ or VOO?
CSQ has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: CSQ -72.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both CSQ and VOO?
CSQ and VOO 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.
What is the holdings overlap between CSQ and VOO?
CSQ and VOO share 146 common holdings with a 54.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 811 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CSQ or VOO?
CSQ yields 5.90% while VOO yields 1.09%, so CSQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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