Calamos Expands Autocallable ETF Offering with Innovative CAIQ Launch

Calamos Investments to Launch New Autocallable ETF: CAIQ

In a significant move towards enhancing investor accessibility to sophisticated income strategies, Calamos Investments has announced its plan for the upcoming launch of the U.S. Tech Autocallable Income ETF (CAIQ) in the fourth quarter of 2025. This new ETF is a follow-up to the widely acclaimed Calamos Autocallable Income ETF (CAIE), which has quickly gained traction since its launch on June 25, 2025. CAIE has already made waves by securing the title of "Most Innovative Product" at the SRP Americas 2025 Awards, a recognition traditionally reserved for structured note strategies typically issued by banks.

CEO John Koudounis praised the initial success of CAIE, highlighting how it reflects an innovative approach tailored to meet the evolving needs of investors. “The early adoption and historic recognition of CAIE validates our pioneering strategy to introduce institutional-quality autocallable methodologies to a broader audience,” Koudounis stated. The CAIQ is set to enhance this endeavor by focusing on a QQQ-based laddered autocallable strategy intended to deliver high and consistent income opportunities.

U.S Tech Autocallable Income ETF (CAIQ) Overview

The CAIQ will be engineered to provide investors with the dual benefits of high income potential and increased transparency due to its unique structure linked to the MerQube US Large-Cap Vol Advantage Autocallable Index (MQAUTOCL). This innovative ETF will be partnering with J.P. Morgan, who will act as the swap counterparty, thereby reinforcing the robustness of its income-generating potential. Such collaborations mark a milestone in ETF product innovation, showcasing Calamos's commitment to democratizing access to complex yield solutions.

The strategic design of CAIQ aims to mirror the success of its predecessor, CAIE, which has reported substantial investor interest since its inception. The primary goal is to offer monthly distributions that maintain tax efficiency, a significant advantage over traditional high-yield investment funds. Over its initial distributions, CAIE has managed to distribute returns that are primarily classified as return of capital, which provides tax-deferred treatment. As a comparison, many high yield ETFs usually generate yields far below the double-digit returns achievable through the Calamos strategy, often with less favorable tax implications.

Market Impact and Future Outlook

The announcement of CAIQ comes at a pivotal time when investor interest in autocallable strategies is surging, evidenced by a reported $194 billion in structured notes issued in 2024. Calamos is not just following the trend—it's positioning itself as a leader. The evaluation by Bloomberg Intelligence suggests that autocallable ETFs like CAIE could represent the next significant wave in the burgeoning income category, reflecting a growing investor appetite for options that yield double-digit returns while also offering price stability and tax efficiency. Analysts have noted that CAIE could be an effective vehicle for financial advisors looking to optimize their clients' portfolios amid volatile market conditions.

Calamos's vision steers towards creating a more versatile, accessible avenue for sophisticated investment products, indicating transformative changes in the investment landscape. The pending launch of CAIQ is an emblem of Calamos’s ongoing commitment to innovation within the financial services sector. Investors are encouraged to view CAIQ as an integral part of a comprehensive investment strategy that seeks to navigate the increasingly complex market space effortlessly.

Final Thoughts

In sum, Calamos is leveraging its deep expertise to usher in a new era of income ETFs with the introduction of its latest offering, the U.S. Tech Autocallable Income ETF. The ambition is not only to deliver attractive yields but also to empower investors through greater understanding and access to structured product solutions. The collaboration with industry leaders like J.P. Morgan emphasizes Calamos's strategic intent to advance, democratizing sophisticated income strategies and potentially altering the course of investment practices for the better.

As CAIQ gears up for its launch, stakeholders in the financial markets will undoubtedly keep a close watch on its progress and performance, anticipating the continued evolution of innovative investment solutions from Calamos Investments.