PMJL vs. CPST

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PMJL (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July) and CPST (Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September) are both Defined Outcome funds. PMJL is actively managed, while CPST is passively managed. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PMJL charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for CPST.

Performance

PMJL vs. CPST - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with PMJL having a 2.63% return and CPST slightly higher at 2.67%.

PMJL

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.61%
• YTD: 2.63%
• 6M: 3.15%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CPST

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.87%
• YTD: 2.67%
• 6M: 2.98%
• 1Y: 7.61%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PMJL vs. CPST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PMJL PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July	2.63%	3.39%
CPST Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September	2.67%	3.54%

Correlation

The correlation between PMJL and CPST is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 2, 2025	0.78

Return for Risk

PMJL vs. CPST — Risk / Return Rank

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

CPST

CPST Risk / Return Rank: 94
CPST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
CPST Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
CPST Omega Ratio Rank: 96
CPST Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
CPST 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.

PMJL vs. CPST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PMJL	CPST	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.56	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.23	2.02	+1.21

Drawdowns

PMJL vs. CPST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMJL drawdown since its inception was -1.49%, smaller than the maximum CPST drawdown of -3.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMJL and CPST.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMJL	CPST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.49%	-3.79%	+2.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-1.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.02%	0.00%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.12%	-0.35%	+0.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.26%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PMJL	CPST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.30%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.60%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.06%	2.15%	-0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.06%	3.37%	-1.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.06%	3.37%	-1.31%

PMJL vs. CPST - Expense Ratio Comparison

PMJL has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than CPST's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

PMJL vs. CPST - Dividend Comparison

Neither PMJL nor CPST has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMJL and CPST in my portfolio?

PMJL and CPST have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PMJL or CPST?

On fees, PMJL is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PMJL or CPST?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between PMJL and CPST?

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