CBXA vs. PBFR

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

CBXA (Calamos Bitcoin 90 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April) and PBFR (PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. CBXA is passively managed, while PBFR is actively managed. Over the past year, CBXA returned -21.96% vs 12.96% for PBFR. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CBXA charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBFR.

Performance

CBXA vs. PBFR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Calamos Bitcoin 90 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April (CBXA) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CBXA achieves a -20.71% return, which is significantly lower than PBFR's 4.65% return.

CBXA

• 1D: -0.81%
• 1M: -6.73%
• YTD: -20.71%
• 6M: -22.27%
• 1Y: -21.96%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBFR

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 1.31%
• YTD: 4.65%
• 6M: 5.46%
• 1Y: 12.96%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CBXA vs. PBFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CBXA Calamos Bitcoin 90 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April	-20.71%	9.67%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	4.65%	17.55%

Correlation

The correlation between CBXA and PBFR is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 8, 2025	0.40

Return for Risk

CBXA vs. PBFR — Risk / Return Rank

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

CBXA

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

PBFR

PBFR Risk / Return Rank: 91
PBFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
PBFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
PBFR Omega Ratio Rank: 94
PBFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
PBFR Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

CBXA vs. PBFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Calamos Bitcoin 90 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April (CBXA) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR). 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.

	CBXA	PBFR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.22	3.01	-4.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.66	4.40	-6.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.79	1.66	-0.87
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.79	4.62	-5.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.55	24.33	-25.88
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CBXA vs. PBFR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CBXA Sharpe Ratio is -1.22, which is lower than the PBFR Sharpe Ratio of 3.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CBXA and PBFR, 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

	CBXA	PBFR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-1.22	3.01	-4.24
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.67	1.55	-2.22

Drawdowns

CBXA vs. PBFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CBXA drawdown since its inception was -27.81%, which is greater than PBFR's maximum drawdown of -8.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CBXA and PBFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	CBXA	PBFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.81%	-8.50%	-19.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.81%	-2.82%	-24.99%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-27.81%	-0.03%	-27.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.75%	-0.63%	-8.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.18%	0.53%	+13.65%

Volatility

CBXA vs. PBFR - Volatility Comparison

Calamos Bitcoin 90 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April (CBXA) has a higher volatility of 2.78% compared to PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR) at 0.55%. This indicates that CBXA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PBFR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CBXA	PBFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.78%	0.55%	+2.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.16%	3.34%	+11.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.00%	4.32%	+13.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.11%	6.89%	+10.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.11%	6.89%	+10.22%

CBXA vs. PBFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

CBXA has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than PBFR's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

CBXA vs. PBFR - Dividend Comparison

CBXA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.49%, more than PBFR's 0.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
CBXA Calamos Bitcoin 90 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April	2.49%	1.97%	0.00%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CBXA and PBFR in my portfolio?

CBXA and PBFR have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CBXA or PBFR?

CBXA has higher volatility (2.78%) compared to PBFR (0.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CBXA dropped -27.81% vs PBFR's -8.50%.

Which ETF is better, CBXA or PBFR?

On 1-year performance, PBFR leads with 12.96% vs -21.96% for CBXA. On fees, PBFR is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, PBFR has been the lower-risk option at 0.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CBXA or PBFR?

Over the 1-year period, PBFR has performed better with a 12.96% return vs -21.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CBXA or PBFR?

PBFR is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for CBXA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CBXA or PBFR?

CBXA has the higher dividend yield at 2.49%, compared with 0.01% for PBFR.

What is the main difference between CBXA and PBFR?

They also come from different issuers: Calamos and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for CBXA and 0.50% for PBFR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBFR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.01 vs -1.22), 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.