CPNM vs. APXM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CPNM (Calamos Nasdaq-100 Structured Alt Protection ETF - March) and APXM (FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - April) are both Defined Outcome funds. CPNM is passively managed, while APXM is actively managed. Over the past year, CPNM returned 8.01% vs 5.49% for APXM. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CPNM charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for APXM.

Performance

CPNM vs. APXM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Calamos Nasdaq-100 Structured Alt Protection ETF - March (CPNM) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - April (APXM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CPNM achieves a 2.97% return, which is significantly higher than APXM's 2.11% return.

CPNM

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 0.81%
• YTD: 2.97%
• 6M: 3.58%
• 1Y: 8.01%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

APXM

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.79%
• YTD: 2.11%
• 6M: 2.59%
• 1Y: 5.49%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CPNM vs. APXM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CPNM Calamos Nasdaq-100 Structured Alt Protection ETF - March	2.97%	8.30%
APXM FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - April	2.11%	5.40%

Correlation

The correlation between CPNM and APXM is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 22, 2025	0.69

The correlation between CPNM and APXM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CPNM vs. APXM — Risk / Return Rank

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

CPNM

CPNM Risk / Return Rank: 97
CPNM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
CPNM Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
CPNM Omega Ratio Rank: 97
CPNM Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
CPNM Martin Ratio Rank: 97

APXM

APXM Risk / Return Rank: 99
APXM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
APXM Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
APXM Omega Ratio Rank: 99
APXM Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
APXM Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

CPNM vs. APXM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Calamos Nasdaq-100 Structured Alt Protection ETF - March (CPNM) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - April (APXM). 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.

	CPNM	APXM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.18	5.47	-1.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	7.02	10.56	-3.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.95	2.60	-0.65
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.80	20.36	-12.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	43.66	110.99	-67.33
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CPNM vs. APXM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CPNM Sharpe Ratio is 4.18, which is comparable to the APXM Sharpe Ratio of 5.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CPNM and APXM, 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

	CPNM	APXM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.18	5.47	-1.29
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.77	5.70	-2.93

Drawdowns

CPNM vs. APXM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CPNM drawdown since its inception was -1.91%, which is greater than APXM's maximum drawdown of -0.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CPNM and APXM.

Drawdown Indicators

	CPNM	APXM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.91%	-0.40%	-1.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.03%	-0.27%	-0.76%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.03%	-0.06%	+0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.18%	-0.03%	-0.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.18%	0.05%	+0.13%

Volatility

CPNM vs. APXM - Volatility Comparison

Calamos Nasdaq-100 Structured Alt Protection ETF - March (CPNM) has a higher volatility of 0.51% compared to FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - April (APXM) at 0.42%. This indicates that CPNM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than APXM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CPNM	APXM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.51%	0.42%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.36%	0.78%	+0.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.93%	1.01%	+0.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.81%	1.20%	+1.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.81%	1.20%	+1.61%

CPNM vs. APXM - Expense Ratio Comparison

CPNM has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is lower than APXM's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

CPNM vs. APXM - Dividend Comparison

Neither CPNM nor APXM has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CPNM and APXM in my portfolio?

CPNM and APXM have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CPNM or APXM?

CPNM has higher volatility (0.51%) compared to APXM (0.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CPNM dropped -1.91% vs APXM's -0.40%.

Which ETF is better, CPNM or APXM?

On 1-year performance, CPNM leads with 8.01% vs 5.49% for APXM. On fees, CPNM is cheaper at 0.69% 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, CPNM or APXM?

Over the 1-year period, CPNM has performed better with a 8.01% return vs 5.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CPNM or APXM?

CPNM is cheaper with a 0.69% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for APXM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CPNM or APXM?

CPNM and APXM have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between CPNM and APXM?

They also come from different issuers: Calamos and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for CPNM and 0.85% for APXM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

APXM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.47 vs 4.18), 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.