CPSA vs. CPSL

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CPSA (Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - August) and CPSL (Calamos Laddered S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds from Calamos. CPSA is passively managed, while CPSL is actively managed. Over the past year, CPSA returned 8.12% vs 7.06% for CPSL. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CPSA charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for CPSL.

Performance

CPSA vs. CPSL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - August (CPSA) and Calamos Laddered S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF (CPSL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CPSA achieves a 3.01% return, which is significantly higher than CPSL's 2.56% return.

CPSA

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 3.01%
• 6M: 3.07%
• 1Y: 8.12%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CPSL

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.14%
• YTD: 2.56%
• 6M: 2.46%
• 1Y: 7.06%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CPSA vs. CPSL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
CPSA Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - August	3.01%	7.39%	2.81%
CPSL Calamos Laddered S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF	2.56%	6.43%	2.24%

Correlation

The correlation between CPSA and CPSL is 0.58, 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	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2024	0.72

The correlation between CPSA and CPSL shifts across timeframes, from 0.58 (1 year) to 0.72 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

CPSA vs. CPSL — Risk / Return Rank

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

CPSA

CPSA Risk / Return Rank: 95
CPSA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
CPSA Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
CPSA Omega Ratio Rank: 96
CPSA Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
CPSA Martin Ratio Rank: 96

CPSL

CPSL Risk / Return Rank: 94
CPSL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
CPSL Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
CPSL Omega Ratio Rank: 93
CPSL Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
CPSL 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.

CPSA vs. CPSL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - August (CPSA) and Calamos Laddered S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF (CPSL). 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.

	CPSA	CPSL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.66	3.17	+0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	6.13	5.14	+0.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.82	1.63	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.53	6.02	-0.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	31.65	30.35	+1.30

CPSA vs. CPSL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CPSA Sharpe Ratio is 3.66, which is comparable to the CPSL Sharpe Ratio of 3.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CPSA and CPSL, 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

CPSA vs. CPSL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CPSA drawdown since its inception was -4.72%, which is greater than CPSL's maximum drawdown of -3.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CPSA and CPSL.

Drawdown Indicators

	CPSA	CPSL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.72%	-3.72%	-1.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.47%	-1.18%	-0.29%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.25%	+0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.38%	-0.33%	-0.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.26%	0.23%	+0.03%

Volatility

CPSA vs. CPSL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - August (CPSA) is 0.46%, while Calamos Laddered S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF (CPSL) has a volatility of 0.57%. This indicates that CPSA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CPSL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CPSA	CPSL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.46%	0.57%	-0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.73%	1.62%	+0.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.23%	2.24%	-0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.10%	3.32%	+0.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.10%	3.32%	+0.78%

CPSA vs. CPSL - Expense Ratio Comparison

CPSA has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is lower than CPSL's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

CPSA vs. CPSL - Dividend Comparison

Neither CPSA nor CPSL has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CPSA and CPSL in my portfolio?

CPSA and CPSL have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CPSA or CPSL?

CPSL has higher volatility (0.57%) compared to CPSA (0.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CPSA dropped -4.72% vs CPSL's -3.72%.

Which ETF is better, CPSA or CPSL?

On 1-year performance, CPSA leads with 8.12% vs 7.06% for CPSL. On fees, CPSA is cheaper at 0.69% per year. On volatility, CPSA has been the lower-risk option at 0.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CPSA or CPSL?

Over the 1-year period, CPSA has performed better with a 8.12% return vs 7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CPSA or CPSL?

CPSA is cheaper with a 0.69% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for CPSL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CPSA or CPSL?

CPSA and CPSL have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between CPSA and CPSL?

Their fees differ too: 0.69% for CPSA and 0.79% for CPSL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CPSA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.66 vs 3.17), 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.