CBXL vs. CAIQ

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

CBXL (Calamos Laddered Bitcoin 80 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF) and CAIQ (Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CBXL is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by Calamos, while CAIQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the MerQube Nasdaq-100 Vol Advantage Autocallable Index. CBXL is actively managed, while CAIQ is passively managed. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CBXL charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.74%/yr for CAIQ.

Performance

CBXL vs. CAIQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Calamos Laddered Bitcoin 80 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF (CBXL) and Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF (CAIQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CBXL achieves a -10.63% return, which is significantly lower than CAIQ's 11.17% return.

CBXL

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: -4.41%
• YTD: -10.63%
• 6M: -11.80%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CAIQ

• 1D: -1.66%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 11.17%
• 6M: 10.46%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CBXL vs. CAIQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CBXL Calamos Laddered Bitcoin 80 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF	-10.63%	-0.49%
CAIQ Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF	11.17%	4.03%

Correlation

The correlation between CBXL and CAIQ is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 21, 2025	0.40

Return for Risk

CBXL vs. CAIQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Calamos Laddered Bitcoin 80 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF (CBXL) and Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF (CAIQ). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CBXL	CAIQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-2.09	2.23	-4.32

Drawdowns

CBXL vs. CAIQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CBXL drawdown since its inception was -19.49%, which is greater than CAIQ's maximum drawdown of -9.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CBXL and CAIQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	CBXL	CAIQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.49%	-9.06%	-10.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.49%	-2.10%	-17.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.23%	-1.72%	-10.51%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	CBXL	CAIQ	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.41%	14.15%	-0.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.41%	14.15%	-0.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.41%	14.15%	-0.74%

CBXL vs. CAIQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

CBXL has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than CAIQ's 0.74% expense ratio.

Dividends

CBXL vs. CAIQ - Dividend Comparison

CBXL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.59%, less than CAIQ's 8.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
CAIQ Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF	8.64%	1.54%
CBXL Calamos Laddered Bitcoin 80 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF	1.59%	1.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CBXL and CAIQ in my portfolio?

CBXL and CAIQ have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, CBXL or CAIQ?

On fees, CAIQ is cheaper at 0.74% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, CBXL or CAIQ?

CAIQ is cheaper with a 0.74% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for CBXL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CBXL or CAIQ?

CAIQ has the higher dividend yield at 8.64%, compared with 1.59% for CBXL.

What is the main difference between CBXL and CAIQ?

CBXL is categorized as Defined Outcome, while CAIQ is Nasdaq-100. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for CBXL and 0.74% for CAIQ.