CBTA vs. CPST

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CBTA (Calamos Bitcoin 80 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April) and CPST (Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September) are both Defined Outcome funds from Calamos - CBTA tracks the CBOE Bitcoin US ETF Index while CPST tracks the MerQube Cap Protect US Lrg Cap PR Index - Sep. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, CBTA returned -30.02% vs 7.04% for CPST. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.69% expense ratio.

Performance

CBTA vs. CPST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Calamos Bitcoin 80 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April (CBTA) and Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September (CPST). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CBTA achieves a -25.50% return, which is significantly lower than CPST's 2.69% return.

CBTA

• 1D: -1.88%
• 1M: -9.31%
• YTD: -25.50%
• 6M: -28.82%
• 1Y: -30.02%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CPST

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 2.69%
• 6M: 2.68%
• 1Y: 7.04%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CBTA vs. CPST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CBTA Calamos Bitcoin 80 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April	-25.50%	11.82%
CPST Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September	2.69%	9.54%

Correlation

The correlation between CBTA and CPST is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 7, 2025	0.43

Return for Risk

CBTA vs. CPST — Risk / Return Rank

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

CBTA

CBTA Risk / Return Rank: 2
CBTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
CBTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
CBTA Omega Ratio Rank: 1
CBTA Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
CBTA Martin Ratio Rank: 2

CPST

CPST Risk / Return Rank: 94
CPST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
CPST Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
CPST Omega Ratio Rank: 96
CPST Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
CPST 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.

CBTA vs. CPST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Calamos Bitcoin 80 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April (CBTA) and Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September (CPST). 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.

	CBTA	CPST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.03	3.41	-4.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.42	5.59	-7.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.83	1.76	-0.93
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.77	4.98	-5.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.38	26.85	-28.23

CBTA vs. CPST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CBTA Sharpe Ratio is -1.03, which is lower than the CPST Sharpe Ratio of 3.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CBTA and CPST, 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

CBTA vs. CPST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CBTA drawdown since its inception was -38.87%, which is greater than CPST's maximum drawdown of -3.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CBTA and CPST.

Drawdown Indicators

	CBTA	CPST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.87%	-3.79%	-35.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-38.87%	-1.42%	-37.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-37.79%	-0.14%	-37.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.99%	-0.34%	-13.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	21.73%	0.26%	+21.47%

Volatility

CBTA vs. CPST - Volatility Comparison

Calamos Bitcoin 80 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April (CBTA) has a higher volatility of 6.69% compared to Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September (CPST) at 0.46%. This indicates that CBTA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CPST based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CBTA	CPST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.69%	0.46%	+6.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.14%	1.61%	+22.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.24%	2.10%	+27.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.51%	3.34%	+24.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.51%	3.34%	+24.17%

CBTA vs. CPST - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both CBTA and CPST have an expense ratio of 0.69%.

Dividends

CBTA vs. CPST - Dividend Comparison

CBTA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.20%, while CPST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
CBTA Calamos Bitcoin 80 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April	1.20%	0.89%
CPST Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CBTA and CPST in my portfolio?

CBTA and CPST have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CBTA or CPST?

CBTA has higher volatility (6.69%) compared to CPST (0.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CBTA dropped -38.87% vs CPST's -3.79%.

Which ETF is better, CBTA or CPST?

On 1-year performance, CPST leads with 7.04% vs -30.02% for CBTA. Both ETFs have the same 0.69% expense ratio. On volatility, CPST has been the lower-risk option at 0.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CBTA or CPST?

Over the 1-year period, CPST has performed better with a 7.04% return vs -30.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CBTA or CPST?

CBTA and CPST have the same expense ratio: 0.69% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CBTA or CPST?

CBTA has the higher dividend yield at 1.20%, compared with 0.00% for CPST.

What is the main difference between CBTA and CPST?

CBTA tracks CBOE Bitcoin US ETF Index, while CPST tracks MerQube Cap Protect US Lrg Cap PR Index - Sep.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CPST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.41 vs -1.03), 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.