CVRT vs QQQ
Calamos Convertible Equity Alternative ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, CVRT or QQQ?
Convertibles against Large Cap Growth.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. CVRT led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CVRT | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.18%Best |
| AUM | $43M | $486.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.59% | 0.44% |
| Holdings | 105 | 107 |
| YTD Return | +23.51%Best | +17.44% |
| 1Y Return | +40.52%Best | +24.69% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.88%Best | +24.76% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.22% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 17.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -20.9%Best | -22.8% |
| $10,000 over 2.9 years | $20,405Best | $20,142 |
| Fund Family | Calamos Asset Management | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Convertible | Equity |
| Style | Convertibles | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 4, 2023 to Sep 8, 2026 (2.9 years).
CVRT vs QQQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 2.9 years both funds cover.
CVRT vs QQQ Performance
Calamos Convertible Equity Alternative ETF (CVRT) is an ETF from Calamos Asset Management and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CVRT returned +40.52% while QQQ returned +24.69%. Year to date, CVRT is up 23.51% versus a gain of 17.44% for QQQ.
Over three years, CVRT compounded at +27.88% per year against +24.76% for QQQ.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CVRT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% compared with 17.4% for QQQ. 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 -20.9% for CVRT and -22.8% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CVRT 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, CVRT currently yields 1.59% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
At least 3.6% of QQQ's money is in holdings CVRT also owns.
Stated as a floor: for CVRT, our book for it covers 84.5% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
QQQ and CVRT share little of their money.
3 positions in common, counted across the 88 positions we hold weights for in CVRT and 102 in QQQ, against full books of 105 and 107.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of CVRT and QQQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CVRT or QQQ?
CVRT has an expense ratio of 0.69% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $51 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, CVRT or QQQ?
Over the past year CVRT returned +40.52% vs +24.69% for QQQ, so CVRT leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, CVRT or QQQ?
CVRT has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 17.4% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: CVRT -20.9% vs QQQ -22.8%.
Should I hold both CVRT and QQQ?
CVRT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between CVRT and QQQ?
At least 3.6% of QQQ's money is in holdings CVRT also owns. Our book for CVRT is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 3 positions in common, counted across the 88 positions we hold weights for in CVRT and 102 in QQQ.
Which pays a higher dividend, CVRT or QQQ?
CVRT yields 1.59% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so CVRT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than CVRT?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. CVRT led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.