CPSU vs FDEC
Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - June vs FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - December
Which is better, CPSU or FDEC?
FDEC has been ahead.
CPSU has a lower expense ratio. FDEC led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CPSU | FDEC |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69%Best | 0.85% |
| AUM | $29M | $1.3B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 5 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +3.38% | +10.08%Best |
| 1Y Return | +4.67% | +14.78%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.28% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.68% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.4%Best | 7.0% |
| Max Drawdown | -1.0%Best | -5.8% |
| $10,000 over 1.4 years | $10,788 | $12,530Best |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Jun 2, 2025 | Dec 18, 2020 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 2, 2025 to Oct 14, 2026 (1.4 years).
CPSU vs FDEC growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.4 years both funds cover.
CPSU vs FDEC Performance
Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - June (CPSU) is an ETF from Calamos Investments and FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - December (FDEC) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year CPSU returned +4.67% while FDEC returned +14.78%. Year to date, CPSU is up 3.38% versus a gain of 10.08% for FDEC.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDEC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 7.0% compared with 1.4% for CPSU. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -1.0% for CPSU and -5.8% for FDEC. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CPSU charges 0.69% per year while FDEC charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $85 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CPSU currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for FDEC.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of CPSU and FDEC you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CPSU or FDEC?
CPSU has an expense ratio of 0.69% while FDEC charges 0.85%. CPSU is the cheaper option, by $16 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, CPSU or FDEC?
Over the past year CPSU returned +4.67% vs +14.78% for FDEC, so FDEC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CPSU annualized +5.57% vs +17.48% for FDEC. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, CPSU or FDEC?
FDEC has been the more volatile fund at 7.0% annualized versus 1.4% for CPSU. Worst drawdown: CPSU -1.0% vs FDEC -5.8%.
Should I hold both CPSU and FDEC?
CPSU and FDEC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, CPSU or FDEC?
CPSU yields 0.00% while FDEC yields 0.00%, so FDEC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FDEC better than CPSU?
CPSU has a lower expense ratio. FDEC led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.