QCJL vs. CAIQ

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

QCJL (FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - July) and CAIQ (Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. QCJL is actively managed, while CAIQ is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QCJL charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.74%/yr for CAIQ.

Performance

QCJL vs. CAIQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - July (QCJL) and Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF (CAIQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QCJL achieves a 5.15% return, which is significantly lower than CAIQ's 11.27% return.

QCJL

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 5.15%
• 6M: 4.85%
• 1Y: 12.57%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CAIQ

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: -1.00%
• YTD: 11.27%
• 6M: 9.99%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QCJL vs. CAIQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QCJL FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - July	5.15%	2.03%
CAIQ Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF	11.27%	4.03%

Correlation

The correlation between QCJL and CAIQ is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 20, 2025	0.90

Return for Risk

QCJL vs. CAIQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

QCJL

QCJL Risk / Return Rank: 82
QCJL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
QCJL Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
QCJL Omega Ratio Rank: 86
QCJL Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
QCJL Martin Ratio Rank: 87

CAIQ

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

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.

QCJL vs. CAIQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - July (QCJL) and Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF (CAIQ). 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.

	QCJL	CAIQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.28	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.15	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.09	—	—

Drawdowns

QCJL vs. CAIQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QCJL drawdown since its inception was -11.18%, which is greater than CAIQ's maximum drawdown of -9.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QCJL and CAIQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QCJL	CAIQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.18%	-9.06%	-2.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.00%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.24%	-2.01%	+1.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.04%	-1.68%	+0.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.78%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QCJL	CAIQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.73%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.20%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.63%	13.72%	-8.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.34%	13.72%	-4.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.34%	13.72%	-4.38%

QCJL vs. CAIQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

QCJL has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than CAIQ's 0.74% expense ratio.

Dividends

QCJL vs. CAIQ - Dividend Comparison

QCJL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while CAIQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.63%.

Position	TTM	2025
CAIQ Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF	8.63%	1.54%
QCJL FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - July	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QCJL and CAIQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, QCJL and CAIQ move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, QCJL or CAIQ?

On fees, CAIQ is cheaper at 0.74% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QCJL or CAIQ?

CAIQ is cheaper with a 0.74% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for QCJL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QCJL or CAIQ?

CAIQ has the higher dividend yield at 8.63%, compared with 0.00% for QCJL.

What is the main difference between QCJL and CAIQ?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Calamos. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for QCJL and 0.74% for CAIQ.