CPST vs. PMJA

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CPST (Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September) and PMJA (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January) are both Defined Outcome funds. CPST is passively managed, while PMJA is actively managed. Over the past year, CPST returned 7.56% vs 7.51% for PMJA. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CPST charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PMJA.

Performance

CPST vs. PMJA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September (CPST) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January (PMJA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CPST achieves a 2.83% return, which is significantly higher than PMJA's 2.36% return.

CPST

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.45%
• YTD: 2.83%
• 6M: 2.79%
• 1Y: 7.56%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PMJA

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.24%
• YTD: 2.36%
• 6M: 2.49%
• 1Y: 7.51%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CPST vs. PMJA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CPST Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September	2.83%	6.73%
PMJA PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January	2.36%	6.76%

Correlation

The correlation between CPST and PMJA is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2025	0.84

The correlation between CPST and PMJA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CPST vs. PMJA — Risk / Return Rank

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

CPST

CPST Risk / Return Rank: 95
CPST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
CPST Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
CPST Omega Ratio Rank: 96
CPST Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
CPST Martin Ratio Rank: 95

PMJA

PMJA Risk / Return Rank: 94
PMJA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
PMJA Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
PMJA Omega Ratio Rank: 97
PMJA Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
PMJA Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

CPST vs. PMJA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September (CPST) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January (PMJA). 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.

	CPST	PMJA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.63	3.71	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	6.02	5.96	+0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.83	1.84	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.34	5.19	+0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	28.83	25.79	+3.03

CPST vs. PMJA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CPST Sharpe Ratio is 3.63, which is comparable to the PMJA Sharpe Ratio of 3.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CPST and PMJA, 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

CPST vs. PMJA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CPST drawdown since its inception was -3.79%, which is greater than PMJA's maximum drawdown of -2.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CPST and PMJA.

Drawdown Indicators

	CPST	PMJA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.79%	-2.98%	-0.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.42%	-1.45%	+0.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.13%	+0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.34%	-0.33%	-0.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.26%	0.29%	-0.03%

Volatility

CPST vs. PMJA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September (CPST) is 0.44%, while PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January (PMJA) has a volatility of 0.53%. This indicates that CPST experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PMJA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CPST	PMJA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.44%	0.53%	-0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.60%	1.57%	+0.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.09%	2.04%	+0.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.34%	2.84%	+0.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.34%	2.84%	+0.50%

CPST vs. PMJA - Expense Ratio Comparison

CPST has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than PMJA's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

CPST vs. PMJA - Dividend Comparison

Neither CPST nor PMJA has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CPST and PMJA in my portfolio?

CPST and PMJA have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CPST or PMJA?

PMJA has higher volatility (0.53%) compared to CPST (0.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CPST dropped -3.79% vs PMJA's -2.98%.

Which ETF is better, CPST or PMJA?

On 1-year performance, CPST leads with 7.56% vs 7.51% for PMJA. On fees, PMJA is cheaper at 0.50% 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, CPST or PMJA?

Over the 1-year period, CPST has performed better with a 7.56% return vs 7.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CPST or PMJA?

PMJA is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for CPST.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CPST or PMJA?

CPST and PMJA have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between CPST and PMJA?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PMJA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.71 vs 3.63), 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.