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XYLD vs QYLD

The same covered-call strategy on the S&P 500 versus the Nasdaq-100 — broad-market income versus tech-heavy income. Here’s how XYLD and QYLD compare for dividend investors — with a calculator for each so you can model the income yourself.

XYLD

Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF

Type
Covered-call income ETF
Issuer
Global X
Pays
monthly

XYLD owns the S&P 500 and systematically sells at-the-money call options on the index, distributing the premium monthly. Like other covered-call funds it offers a high yield in exchange for capped upside.

XYLD dividend calculator

QYLD

Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF

Type
Covered-call income ETF
Issuer
Global X
Pays
monthly

QYLD owns the Nasdaq-100 and systematically sells at-the-money call options on the whole index, distributing the premium monthly. This produces a very high yield but caps upside, so its share price has historically been flat to declining — a classic case for checking total return, not just yield.

QYLD dividend calculator

How XYLD and QYLD differ

XYLDXYLD owns the S&P 500 and systematically sells at-the-money call options on the index, distributing the premium monthly. Like other covered-call funds it offers a high yield in exchange for capped upside.

QYLDQYLD owns the Nasdaq-100 and systematically sells at-the-money call options on the whole index, distributing the premium monthly. This produces a very high yield but caps upside, so its share price has historically been flat to declining — a classic case for checking total return, not just yield.

In practice the choice comes down to your goal. XYLD suits an investor who wants maximum current monthly income and accepts capped price growth, while QYLD suits one who wants maximum current monthly income and accepts capped price growth. The two are not mutually exclusive — plenty of portfolios hold a growth-oriented fund and an income-oriented one together. What matters is matching each to its job and not judging a fund on its headline yield alone.

Rather than compare a single snapshot yield (which moves daily), open each calculator and enter current figures: the XYLD calculator and the QYLD calculator. To compare long-term compounding head to head, run the same contributions through the dividend reinvestment calculator with each fund’s assumptions.

XYLD vs QYLD FAQ

What's the main difference between XYLD and QYLD?
XYLD is a covered-call income etf from Global X; QYLD is a covered-call income etf from Global X. The same covered-call strategy on the S&P 500 versus the Nasdaq-100 — broad-market income versus tech-heavy income.
Does XYLD or QYLD pay more dividends?
It depends on current figures, which change — use the calculators linked below with each fund's live yield rather than a fixed number. As a rule, covered-call income funds carry a much higher headline yield but little price growth, while dividend-growth and broad-market funds start lower and aim to grow.
Which is better, XYLD or QYLD?
Neither is universally better — they suit different goals. XYLD fits an investor who wants maximum current monthly income and accepts capped price growth; QYLD fits one who wants maximum current monthly income and accepts capped price growth. Match the fund to your objective, time horizon, and tax situation, and consider a licensed advisor.
Can I hold both XYLD and QYLD?
Many investors do, to blend current income with growth. Just be aware of overlap — if both hold similar large-cap US stocks, you may be less diversified than the two tickers suggest.
See all dividend ETF comparisons →