CPRJ vs. ZDEK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CPRJ (Calamos Russell 2000 Structured Alt Protection ETF - July) and ZDEK (Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr December) are both Defined Outcome funds. CPRJ is passively managed, while ZDEK is actively managed. Over the past year, CPRJ returned 9.60% vs 9.03% for ZDEK. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CPRJ charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for ZDEK.

Performance

CPRJ vs. ZDEK - 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 Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr December (ZDEK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CPRJ achieves a 2.94% return, which is significantly higher than ZDEK's 2.56% return.

CPRJ

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 2.94%
• 6M: 3.35%
• 1Y: 9.60%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ZDEK

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.84%
• YTD: 2.56%
• 6M: 2.82%
• 1Y: 9.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CPRJ vs. ZDEK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
CPRJ Calamos Russell 2000 Structured Alt Protection ETF - July	2.94%	5.04%	-1.17%
ZDEK Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr December	2.56%	7.78%	-0.38%

Correlation

The correlation between CPRJ and ZDEK is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2024	0.70

The correlation between CPRJ and ZDEK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CPRJ vs. ZDEK — Risk / Return Rank

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

CPRJ

CPRJ Risk / Return Rank: 87
CPRJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
CPRJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
CPRJ Omega Ratio Rank: 92
CPRJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
CPRJ Martin Ratio Rank: 94

ZDEK

ZDEK Risk / Return Rank: 93
ZDEK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
ZDEK Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
ZDEK Omega Ratio Rank: 95
ZDEK Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
ZDEK 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.

CPRJ vs. ZDEK - 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 Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr December (ZDEK). 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.

	CPRJ	ZDEK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.41	3.28	-0.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.93	5.12	-1.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.61	1.71	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.37	6.02	-0.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	25.64	30.78	-5.14
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CPRJ vs. ZDEK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CPRJ Sharpe Ratio is 2.41, which is comparable to the ZDEK Sharpe Ratio of 3.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CPRJ and ZDEK, 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

	CPRJ	ZDEK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.41	3.28	-0.87
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.31	2.02	-0.71

Drawdowns

CPRJ vs. ZDEK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CPRJ drawdown since its inception was -6.25%, which is greater than ZDEK's maximum drawdown of -3.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CPRJ and ZDEK.

Drawdown Indicators

	CPRJ	ZDEK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.25%	-3.40%	-2.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.79%	-1.51%	-0.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.09%	-0.04%	-0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.88%	-0.45%	-0.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.38%	0.29%	+0.09%

Volatility

CPRJ vs. ZDEK - Volatility Comparison

Calamos Russell 2000 Structured Alt Protection ETF - July (CPRJ) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr December (ZDEK) have volatilities of 0.35% and 0.36%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CPRJ	ZDEK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.35%	0.36%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.63%	1.64%	-0.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.16%	2.77%	+1.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.13%	3.31%	+1.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.13%	3.31%	+1.82%

CPRJ vs. ZDEK - Expense Ratio Comparison

CPRJ has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is lower than ZDEK's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

CPRJ vs. ZDEK - Dividend Comparison

Neither CPRJ nor ZDEK has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CPRJ and ZDEK in my portfolio?

CPRJ and ZDEK have a correlation of 0.67, 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 ZDEK?

ZDEK has higher volatility (0.36%) compared to CPRJ (0.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CPRJ dropped -6.25% vs ZDEK's -3.40%.

Which ETF is better, CPRJ or ZDEK?

On 1-year performance, CPRJ leads with 9.60% vs 9.03% for ZDEK. On fees, CPRJ 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, CPRJ or ZDEK?

Over the 1-year period, CPRJ has performed better with a 9.60% return vs 9.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CPRJ or ZDEK?

CPRJ is cheaper with a 0.69% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for ZDEK.

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

CPRJ and ZDEK have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between CPRJ and ZDEK?

They also come from different issuers: Calamos and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for CPRJ and 0.79% for ZDEK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZDEK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.28 vs 2.41), 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.