CAIQ vs. CPNS

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

CAIQ (Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF) and CPNS (Calamos Nasdaq-100 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September) are both exchange-traded funds - CAIQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the MerQube Nasdaq-100 Vol Advantage Autocallable Index, while CPNS is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the MerQube Cap Protect US Large Cap Tech PR Index - Sep. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CAIQ charges 0.74%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for CPNS.

Performance

CAIQ vs. CPNS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF (CAIQ) and Calamos Nasdaq-100 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September (CPNS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CAIQ achieves a 11.17% return, which is significantly higher than CPNS's 2.79% return.

CAIQ

• 1D: -1.66%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 11.17%
• 6M: 10.46%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CPNS

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 2.79%
• 6M: 2.91%
• 1Y: 7.55%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

CAIQ vs. CPNS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CAIQ Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF	11.17%	4.03%
CPNS Calamos Nasdaq-100 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September	2.79%	1.07%

Correlation

The correlation between CAIQ and CPNS is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 21, 2025	0.82

Return for Risk

CAIQ vs. CPNS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

CPNS

CPNS Risk / Return Rank: 95
CPNS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
CPNS Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
CPNS Omega Ratio Rank: 96
CPNS Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
CPNS Martin Ratio Rank: 96

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

CAIQ vs. CPNS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF (CAIQ) and Calamos Nasdaq-100 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September (CPNS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CAIQ	CPNS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.54	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.23	2.14	+0.09

Drawdowns

CAIQ vs. CPNS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CAIQ drawdown since its inception was -9.06%, which is greater than CPNS's maximum drawdown of -3.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CAIQ and CPNS.

Drawdown Indicators

	CAIQ	CPNS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.06%	-3.99%	-5.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-1.31%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.10%	-0.25%	-1.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.72%	-0.35%	-1.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.24%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	CAIQ	CPNS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.42%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.76%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.15%	2.15%	+12.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.15%	3.48%	+10.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.15%	3.48%	+10.67%

CAIQ vs. CPNS - Expense Ratio Comparison

CAIQ has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is higher than CPNS's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

CAIQ vs. CPNS - Dividend Comparison

CAIQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.64%, while CPNS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
CAIQ Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF	8.64%	1.54%
CPNS Calamos Nasdaq-100 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CAIQ and CPNS in my portfolio?

CAIQ and CPNS have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, CAIQ or CPNS?

On fees, CPNS is cheaper at 0.69% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, CAIQ or CPNS?

CPNS is cheaper with a 0.69% expense ratio, compared with 0.74% for CAIQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CAIQ or CPNS?

CAIQ has the higher dividend yield at 8.64%, compared with 0.00% for CPNS.

What is the main difference between CAIQ and CPNS?

CAIQ is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while CPNS is Defined Outcome. CAIQ tracks MerQube Nasdaq-100 Vol Advantage Autocallable Index, while CPNS tracks MerQube Cap Protect US Large Cap Tech PR Index - Sep. Their fees differ too: 0.74% for CAIQ and 0.69% for CPNS.