CAIQ vs. QCJL

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

CAIQ (Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF) and QCJL (FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - July) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. CAIQ is passively managed, while QCJL is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CAIQ charges 0.74%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for QCJL.

Performance

CAIQ vs. QCJL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF (CAIQ) and FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - July (QCJL). 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 QCJL's 4.81% return.

CAIQ

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

QCJL

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 0.61%
• YTD: 4.81%
• 6M: 5.10%
• 1Y: 14.57%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CAIQ vs. QCJL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CAIQ Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF	11.17%	4.03%
QCJL FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - July	4.81%	2.90%

Correlation

The correlation between CAIQ and QCJL is 0.91, 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	0.91

Return for Risk

CAIQ vs. QCJL — Risk / Return Rank

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

QCJL

QCJL Risk / Return Rank: 84
QCJL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
QCJL Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
QCJL Omega Ratio Rank: 86
QCJL Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
QCJL Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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. QCJL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF (CAIQ) and FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - July (QCJL). 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	QCJL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.23	1.26	+0.97

Drawdowns

CAIQ vs. QCJL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CAIQ drawdown since its inception was -9.06%, smaller than the maximum QCJL drawdown of -11.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CAIQ and QCJL.

Drawdown Indicators

	CAIQ	QCJL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.06%	-11.18%	+2.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-4.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.10%	-0.38%	-1.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.72%	-1.07%	-0.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.79%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	CAIQ	QCJL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.54%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	4.33%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.15%	5.89%	+8.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.15%	9.46%	+4.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.15%	9.46%	+4.69%

CAIQ vs. QCJL - Expense Ratio Comparison

CAIQ has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is lower than QCJL's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

CAIQ vs. QCJL - Dividend Comparison

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

Position	TTM	2025
CAIQ Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF	8.64%	1.54%
QCJL FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - July	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CAIQ and QCJL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, CAIQ and QCJL move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, CAIQ or QCJL?

On fees, CAIQ is cheaper at 0.74% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, CAIQ or QCJL?

CAIQ is cheaper with a 0.74% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for QCJL.

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

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

What is the main difference between CAIQ and QCJL?

They also come from different issuers: Calamos and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.74% for CAIQ and 0.90% for QCJL.