CANQ vs. PBQQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CANQ (Calamos Alternative Nasdaq & Bond ETF) and PBQQ (PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CANQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Calamos, while PBQQ is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by PGIM. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, CANQ returned 13.55% vs 19.15% for PBQQ. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CANQ charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBQQ.

Performance

CANQ vs. PBQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Calamos Alternative Nasdaq & Bond ETF (CANQ) and PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CANQ achieves a 3.74% return, which is significantly lower than PBQQ's 8.21% return.

CANQ

• 1D: -0.86%
• 1M: -1.76%
• YTD: 3.74%
• 6M: 3.40%
• 1Y: 13.55%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBQQ

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: -0.22%
• YTD: 8.21%
• 6M: 8.11%
• 1Y: 19.15%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CANQ vs. PBQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CANQ Calamos Alternative Nasdaq & Bond ETF	3.74%	11.69%
PBQQ PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF	8.21%	15.44%

Correlation

The correlation between CANQ and PBQQ 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2025	0.88

The correlation between CANQ and PBQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CANQ vs. PBQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

CANQ

CANQ Risk / Return Rank: 32
CANQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
CANQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
CANQ Omega Ratio Rank: 33
CANQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
CANQ Martin Ratio Rank: 29

PBQQ

PBQQ Risk / Return Rank: 88
PBQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
PBQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
PBQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 90
PBQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
PBQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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. PBQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Calamos Alternative Nasdaq & Bond ETF (CANQ) and PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	CANQ	PBQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.19	2.64	-1.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.70	3.85	-2.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.52	-0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.26	4.08	-2.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.84	19.12	-15.28

CANQ vs. PBQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CANQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.19, which is lower than the PBQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CANQ and PBQQ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

CANQ vs. PBQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CANQ drawdown since its inception was -12.79%, roughly equal to the maximum PBQQ drawdown of -12.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CANQ and PBQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	CANQ	PBQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.79%	-12.92%	+0.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.77%	-4.71%	-6.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.94%	-1.02%	-2.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.95%	-1.24%	-1.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.54%	1.00%	+2.54%

Volatility

CANQ vs. PBQQ - Volatility Comparison

Calamos Alternative Nasdaq & Bond ETF (CANQ) has a higher volatility of 4.59% compared to PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ) at 2.24%. This indicates that CANQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PBQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CANQ	PBQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.59%	2.24%	+2.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.39%	5.77%	+2.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.44%	7.32%	+4.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.85%	11.79%	+1.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.85%	11.79%	+1.06%

CANQ vs. PBQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

CANQ has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than PBQQ's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

CANQ vs. PBQQ - Dividend Comparison

CANQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.52%, more than PBQQ's 0.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
CANQ Calamos Alternative Nasdaq & Bond ETF	4.52%	5.02%	4.19%
PBQQ PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CANQ and PBQQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, CANQ and PBQQ 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 is riskier, CANQ or PBQQ?

CANQ has higher volatility (4.59%) compared to PBQQ (2.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CANQ dropped -12.79% vs PBQQ's -12.92%.

Which ETF is better, CANQ or PBQQ?

On 1-year performance, PBQQ leads with 19.15% vs 13.55% for CANQ. On fees, PBQQ is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, PBQQ has been the lower-risk option at 2.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CANQ or PBQQ?

Over the 1-year period, PBQQ has performed better with a 19.15% return vs 13.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CANQ or PBQQ?

PBQQ is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for CANQ.

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

CANQ has the higher dividend yield at 4.52%, compared with 0.01% for PBQQ.

What is the main difference between CANQ and PBQQ?

CANQ is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while PBQQ is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Calamos and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for CANQ and 0.50% for PBQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 1.19), 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.