CBOJ vs. SMAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CBOJ (Calamos Bitcoin Structured Alt Protection ETF - January) and SMAX (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. CBOJ is passively managed, while SMAX is actively managed. Over the past year, CBOJ returned -4.25% vs 8.56% for SMAX. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CBOJ charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SMAX.

Performance

CBOJ vs. SMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Calamos Bitcoin Structured Alt Protection ETF - January (CBOJ) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CBOJ achieves a -1.85% return, which is significantly lower than SMAX's 2.98% return.

CBOJ

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: -1.58%
• YTD: -1.85%
• 6M: -2.06%
• 1Y: -4.25%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMAX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.14%
• YTD: 2.98%
• 6M: 2.87%
• 1Y: 8.56%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CBOJ vs. SMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CBOJ Calamos Bitcoin Structured Alt Protection ETF - January	-1.85%	-0.83%
SMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF	2.98%	7.03%

Correlation

The correlation between CBOJ and SMAX is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 22, 2025	0.38

Return for Risk

CBOJ vs. SMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CBOJ

CBOJ Risk / Return Rank: 4
CBOJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
CBOJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
CBOJ Omega Ratio Rank: 3
CBOJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
CBOJ Martin Ratio Rank: 5

SMAX

SMAX Risk / Return Rank: 93
SMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
SMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
SMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

CBOJ vs. SMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Calamos Bitcoin Structured Alt Protection ETF - January (CBOJ) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX). 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.

	CBOJ	SMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.87	3.17	-4.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.17	4.86	-6.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.87	1.67	-0.81
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.52	4.49	-5.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.80	24.03	-24.83

CBOJ vs. SMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CBOJ Sharpe Ratio is -0.87, which is lower than the SMAX Sharpe Ratio of 3.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CBOJ and SMAX, 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

CBOJ vs. SMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CBOJ drawdown since its inception was -8.15%, which is greater than SMAX's maximum drawdown of -3.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CBOJ and SMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CBOJ	SMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.15%	-3.90%	-4.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.15%	-1.91%	-6.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.15%	-0.29%	-7.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.30%	-0.40%	-2.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.35%	0.36%	+4.99%

Volatility

CBOJ vs. SMAX - Volatility Comparison

Calamos Bitcoin Structured Alt Protection ETF - January (CBOJ) has a higher volatility of 0.85% compared to iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX) at 0.77%. This indicates that CBOJ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CBOJ	SMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.85%	0.77%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.35%	2.18%	+0.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.90%	2.72%	+2.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.52%	3.65%	+0.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.52%	3.65%	+0.87%

CBOJ vs. SMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CBOJ has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than SMAX's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

CBOJ vs. SMAX - Dividend Comparison

CBOJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.22%, more than SMAX's 0.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
CBOJ Calamos Bitcoin Structured Alt Protection ETF - January	3.22%	3.16%	0.00%
SMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF	0.95%	0.98%	0.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CBOJ and SMAX in my portfolio?

CBOJ and SMAX have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CBOJ or SMAX?

CBOJ has higher volatility (0.85%) compared to SMAX (0.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CBOJ dropped -8.15% vs SMAX's -3.90%.

Which ETF is better, CBOJ or SMAX?

On 1-year performance, SMAX leads with 8.56% vs -4.25% for CBOJ. On fees, SMAX is cheaper at 0.50% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CBOJ or SMAX?

Over the 1-year period, SMAX has performed better with a 8.56% return vs -4.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CBOJ or SMAX?

SMAX is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for CBOJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CBOJ or SMAX?

CBOJ has the higher dividend yield at 3.22%, compared with 0.95% for SMAX.

What is the main difference between CBOJ and SMAX?

They also come from different issuers: Calamos and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for CBOJ and 0.50% for SMAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.17 vs -0.87), 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.