CPSL vs. CPNQ

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

CPSL (Calamos Laddered S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF) and CPNQ (Calamos Nasdaq-100 Structured Alt Protection ETF - December) are both Defined Outcome funds from Calamos. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, CPSL returned 6.01% vs 6.79% for CPNQ. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CPSL charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for CPNQ.

Performance

CPSL vs. CPNQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Calamos Laddered S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF (CPSL) and Calamos Nasdaq-100 Structured Alt Protection ETF - December (CPNQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with CPSL having a 3.04% return and CPNQ slightly lower at 3.03%.

CPSL

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.32%
• 6M: 2.52%
• YTD: 3.04%
• 1Y: 6.01%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 6.35%

CPNQ

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: -0.02%
• 6M: 2.86%
• YTD: 3.03%
• 1Y: 6.79%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 6.84%

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

CPSL vs. CPNQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
CPSL Calamos Laddered S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF	3.04%	6.43%	-0.10%
CPNQ Calamos Nasdaq-100 Structured Alt Protection ETF - December	3.03%	7.80%	0.29%

Correlation

The correlation between CPSL and CPNQ is 0.52, 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	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 2, 2024	0.66

The correlation between CPSL and CPNQ shifts across timeframes, from 0.52 (1 year) to 0.66 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

CPSL vs. CPNQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

CPSL

CPSL Risk / Return Rank: 95
CPSL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
CPSL Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
CPSL Omega Ratio Rank: 94
CPSL Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
CPSL Martin Ratio Rank: 96

CPNQ

CPNQ Risk / Return Rank: 94
CPNQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
CPNQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
CPNQ Omega Ratio Rank: 93
CPNQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
CPNQ 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.

CPSL vs. CPNQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Calamos Laddered S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF (CPSL) and Calamos Nasdaq-100 Structured Alt Protection ETF - December (CPNQ). 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.

	CPSL	CPNQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.73	2.50	+0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.35	4.02	+0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.53	1.50	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.12	4.50	+0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	25.33	21.36	+3.97

CPSL vs. CPNQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CPSL Sharpe Ratio is 2.73, which is comparable to the CPNQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CPSL and CPNQ, 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

CPSL vs. CPNQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CPSL drawdown since its inception was -3.72%, which is greater than CPNQ's maximum drawdown of -3.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CPSL and CPNQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	CPSL	CPNQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.72%	-3.52%	-0.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.18%	-1.52%	+0.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.10%	-0.30%	+0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.32%	-0.41%	+0.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.24%	0.32%	-0.08%

Volatility

CPSL vs. CPNQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Calamos Laddered S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF (CPSL) is 0.47%, while Calamos Nasdaq-100 Structured Alt Protection ETF - December (CPNQ) has a volatility of 0.72%. This indicates that CPSL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CPNQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CPSL	CPNQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.47%	0.72%	-0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.59%	2.28%	-0.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.22%	2.74%	-0.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.26%	3.34%	-0.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.26%	3.34%	-0.08%

CPSL vs. CPNQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

CPSL has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than CPNQ's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

CPSL vs. CPNQ - Dividend Comparison

Neither CPSL nor CPNQ has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CPSL and CPNQ in my portfolio?

CPSL and CPNQ have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CPSL or CPNQ?

CPNQ has higher volatility (0.72%) compared to CPSL (0.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CPSL dropped -3.72% vs CPNQ's -3.52%.

Which ETF is better, CPSL or CPNQ?

On 1-year performance, CPNQ leads with 6.79% vs 6.01% for CPSL. On fees, CPNQ is cheaper at 0.69% per year. On volatility, CPSL has been the lower-risk option at 0.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CPSL or CPNQ?

Over the 1-year period, CPNQ has performed better with a 6.79% return vs 6.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CPSL or CPNQ?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between CPSL and CPNQ?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CPSL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.73 vs 2.50), 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.