CPRJ vs. PBFR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CPRJ (Calamos Russell 2000 Structured Alt Protection ETF - July) and PBFR (PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. CPRJ is passively managed, while PBFR is actively managed. Over the past year, CPRJ returned 10.04% vs 12.60% for PBFR. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CPRJ charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBFR.

Performance

CPRJ vs. PBFR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Calamos Russell 2000 Structured Alt Protection ETF - July (CPRJ) 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, CPRJ achieves a 3.22% return, which is significantly lower than PBFR's 4.45% return.

CPRJ

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: 3.22%
• 6M: 3.05%
• 1Y: 10.04%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBFR

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 0.30%
• YTD: 4.45%
• 6M: 4.57%
• 1Y: 12.60%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CPRJ vs. PBFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
CPRJ Calamos Russell 2000 Structured Alt Protection ETF - July	3.22%	5.04%	3.95%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	4.45%	10.44%	4.89%

Correlation

The correlation between CPRJ and PBFR is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2024	0.68

The correlation between CPRJ and PBFR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CPRJ vs. PBFR — Risk / Return Rank

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

CPRJ

CPRJ Risk / Return Rank: 95
CPRJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
CPRJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
CPRJ Omega Ratio Rank: 96
CPRJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
CPRJ Martin Ratio Rank: 96

PBFR

PBFR Risk / Return Rank: 91
PBFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
PBFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
PBFR Omega Ratio Rank: 93
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.

CPRJ vs. PBFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Calamos Russell 2000 Structured Alt Protection ETF - July (CPRJ) 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.

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.

	CPRJ	PBFR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.87	2.91	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.07	4.23	+0.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.76	1.64	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	8.45	4.49	+3.96
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	35.14	23.30	+11.84

CPRJ vs. PBFR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CPRJ Sharpe Ratio is 2.87, which is comparable to the PBFR Sharpe Ratio of 2.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CPRJ 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.

Drawdowns

CPRJ vs. PBFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CPRJ drawdown since its inception was -6.25%, smaller than the maximum PBFR drawdown of -8.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CPRJ and PBFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	CPRJ	PBFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.25%	-8.50%	+2.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.19%	-2.82%	+1.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.29%	+0.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.87%	-0.63%	-0.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.29%	0.54%	-0.25%

Volatility

CPRJ vs. PBFR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Calamos Russell 2000 Structured Alt Protection ETF - July (CPRJ) is 0.33%, while PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR) has a volatility of 1.27%. This indicates that CPRJ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PBFR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CPRJ	PBFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.33%	1.27%	-0.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.61%	3.51%	-1.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.52%	4.35%	-0.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.10%	6.86%	-1.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.10%	6.86%	-1.76%

CPRJ vs. PBFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

CPRJ vs. PBFR - Dividend Comparison

CPRJ has not paid dividends to shareholders, while PBFR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
CPRJ Calamos Russell 2000 Structured Alt Protection ETF - July	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CPRJ and PBFR in my portfolio?

CPRJ and PBFR have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CPRJ or PBFR?

PBFR has higher volatility (1.27%) compared to CPRJ (0.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CPRJ dropped -6.25% vs PBFR's -8.50%.

Which ETF is better, CPRJ or PBFR?

On 1-year performance, PBFR leads with 12.60% vs 10.04% for CPRJ. On fees, PBFR is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, CPRJ has been the lower-risk option at 0.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CPRJ or PBFR?

Over the 1-year period, PBFR has performed better with a 12.60% return vs 10.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CPRJ or PBFR?

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

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

PBFR has the higher dividend yield at 0.01%, compared with 0.00% for CPRJ.

What is the main difference between CPRJ and PBFR?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBFR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.91 vs 2.87), 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.