NSEP vs. CPSM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NSEP (Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - September) and CPSM (Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - May) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, NSEP returned 15.50% vs 5.15% for CPSM. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NSEP charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for CPSM.

Performance

NSEP vs. CPSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - September (NSEP) and Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - May (CPSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NSEP achieves a 6.19% return, which is significantly higher than CPSM's 1.94% return.

NSEP

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 6.19%
• 6M: 5.83%
• 1Y: 15.50%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CPSM

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 1.94%
• 6M: 2.03%
• 1Y: 5.15%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NSEP vs. CPSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NSEP Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - September	6.19%	13.80%	5.10%
CPSM Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - May	1.94%	7.21%	1.96%

Correlation

The correlation between NSEP and CPSM is 0.61, 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	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 3, 2024	0.66

The correlation between NSEP and CPSM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NSEP vs. CPSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

NSEP

NSEP Risk / Return Rank: 81
NSEP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
NSEP Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
NSEP Omega Ratio Rank: 86
NSEP Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
NSEP Martin Ratio Rank: 85

CPSM

CPSM Risk / Return Rank: 96
CPSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
CPSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
CPSM Omega Ratio Rank: 95
CPSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
CPSM Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

NSEP vs. CPSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - September (NSEP) and Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - May (CPSM). 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.

	NSEP	CPSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.32	3.15	-0.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.24	5.05	-1.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.67	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.34	10.57	-7.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.05	45.23	-29.18

NSEP vs. CPSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NSEP Sharpe Ratio is 2.32, which is comparable to the CPSM Sharpe Ratio of 3.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NSEP and CPSM, 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

NSEP vs. CPSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NSEP drawdown since its inception was -12.31%, which is greater than CPSM's maximum drawdown of -5.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NSEP and CPSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	NSEP	CPSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.31%	-5.19%	-7.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.66%	-0.49%	-4.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.58%	-0.39%	-0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.08%	-0.20%	-0.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.97%	0.11%	+0.86%

Volatility

NSEP vs. CPSM - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - September (NSEP) has a higher volatility of 1.48% compared to Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - May (CPSM) at 0.66%. This indicates that NSEP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CPSM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NSEP	CPSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.48%	0.66%	+0.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.24%	1.16%	+4.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.74%	1.65%	+5.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.39%	5.05%	+5.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.39%	5.05%	+5.34%

NSEP vs. CPSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

NSEP has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than CPSM's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

NSEP vs. CPSM - Dividend Comparison

Neither NSEP nor CPSM has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NSEP and CPSM in my portfolio?

NSEP and CPSM have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NSEP or CPSM?

NSEP has higher volatility (1.48%) compared to CPSM (0.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NSEP dropped -12.31% vs CPSM's -5.19%.

Which ETF is better, NSEP or CPSM?

On 1-year performance, NSEP leads with 15.50% vs 5.15% for CPSM. On fees, CPSM is cheaper at 0.69% per year. On volatility, CPSM has been the lower-risk option at 0.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NSEP or CPSM?

Over the 1-year period, NSEP has performed better with a 15.50% return vs 5.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NSEP or CPSM?

CPSM is cheaper with a 0.69% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for NSEP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NSEP or CPSM?

NSEP and CPSM have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between NSEP and CPSM?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CPSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.15 vs 2.32), 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.