CANQ vs. CPSL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CANQ (Calamos Alternative Nasdaq & Bond ETF) and CPSL (Calamos Laddered S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CANQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Calamos, while CPSL is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by Calamos. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, CANQ returned 17.89% vs 7.09% for CPSL. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CANQ charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for CPSL.

Performance

CANQ vs. CPSL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Calamos Alternative Nasdaq & Bond ETF (CANQ) and Calamos Laddered S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF (CPSL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CANQ achieves a 7.60% return, which is significantly higher than CPSL's 2.71% return.

CANQ

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 5.62%
• YTD: 7.60%
• 6M: 5.52%
• 1Y: 17.89%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CPSL

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.79%
• YTD: 2.71%
• 6M: 3.02%
• 1Y: 7.09%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CANQ vs. CPSL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
CANQ Calamos Alternative Nasdaq & Bond ETF	7.60%	11.69%	11.41%
CPSL Calamos Laddered S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF	2.71%	6.43%	2.32%

Correlation

The correlation between CANQ and CPSL is 0.59, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 10, 2024	0.66

The correlation between CANQ and CPSL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CANQ vs. CPSL — Risk / Return Rank

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

CANQ

CANQ Risk / Return Rank: 42
CANQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
CANQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
CANQ Omega Ratio Rank: 47
CANQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
CANQ Martin Ratio Rank: 34

CPSL

CPSL Risk / Return Rank: 93
CPSL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
CPSL Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
CPSL Omega Ratio Rank: 92
CPSL Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
CPSL Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

CANQ vs. CPSL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Calamos Alternative Nasdaq & Bond ETF (CANQ) and Calamos Laddered S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF (CPSL). 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.

	CANQ	CPSL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	3.10	-1.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.37	5.05	-2.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.62	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.67	6.04	-4.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.17	31.16	-25.98
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CANQ vs. CPSL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CANQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is lower than the CPSL Sharpe Ratio of 3.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CANQ and CPSL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CANQ	CPSL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.67	3.10	-1.43
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.35	2.01	-0.66

Drawdowns

CANQ vs. CPSL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CANQ drawdown since its inception was -12.79%, which is greater than CPSL's maximum drawdown of -3.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CANQ and CPSL.

Drawdown Indicators

	CANQ	CPSL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.79%	-3.72%	-9.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.77%	-1.18%	-9.59%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.37%	-0.04%	-0.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.95%	-0.33%	-2.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.47%	0.23%	+3.24%

Volatility

CANQ vs. CPSL - Volatility Comparison

Calamos Alternative Nasdaq & Bond ETF (CANQ) has a higher volatility of 3.86% compared to Calamos Laddered S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF (CPSL) at 0.39%. This indicates that CANQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CPSL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CANQ	CPSL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.86%	0.39%	+3.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.52%	1.57%	+5.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.76%	2.35%	+8.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.69%	3.34%	+9.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.69%	3.34%	+9.35%

CANQ vs. CPSL - Expense Ratio Comparison

CANQ has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than CPSL's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

CANQ vs. CPSL - Dividend Comparison

CANQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.36%, while CPSL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
CANQ Calamos Alternative Nasdaq & Bond ETF	4.36%	5.02%	4.19%
CPSL Calamos Laddered S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CANQ and CPSL in my portfolio?

CANQ and CPSL have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CANQ or CPSL?

CANQ has higher volatility (3.86%) compared to CPSL (0.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CANQ dropped -12.79% vs CPSL's -3.72%.

Which ETF is better, CANQ or CPSL?

On 1-year performance, CANQ leads with 17.89% vs 7.09% for CPSL. On fees, CPSL is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, CPSL has been the lower-risk option at 0.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CANQ or CPSL?

Over the 1-year period, CANQ has performed better with a 17.89% return vs 7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CANQ or CPSL?

CPSL is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for CANQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CANQ or CPSL?

CANQ has the higher dividend yield at 4.36%, compared with 0.00% for CPSL.

What is the main difference between CANQ and CPSL?

CANQ is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while CPSL is Defined Outcome. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for CANQ and 0.79% for CPSL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CPSL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.10 vs 1.67), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.