RYLD vs IWM: Dividend Yield, Total Return & Fees Compared

This page compares Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF (RYLD) with iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) using prices and distributions through November 9, 2026. The numbers update automatically after each trading session.

With dividends reinvested, IWM has led over the last 12 months at +18.12% versus +13.61% for RYLD. RYLD currently yields 12.08% (trailing 12-month) against 0.97% for IWM. Across five years the total-return gap is +24.65% for IWM vs +10.29% for RYLD.

The higher-yielding fund (RYLD) has trailed on 1-year total return. Yield only measures the income a fund pays; total return also counts the change in share price, so it is the fuller basis for comparing the two.

Across 1,265 shared trading dates from October 26, 2021 to November 9, 2026, the largest observed peak-to-trough decline with dividends reinvested was -21.36% for RYLD and -31.91% for IWM. These figures use the same available dates for both instruments, exclude intraday moves, and are not forecasts.

RYLD's recorded distributions over the 12 months ending November 9, 2026 ranged from $0.1475 to $0.1653 per share across 12 distribution dates. A payment range includes special distributions and does not establish the amount of a future payment.

IWM's recorded distributions over the 12 months ending November 9, 2026 ranged from $0.442 to $0.8425 per share across 4 distribution dates. A payment range includes special distributions and does not establish the amount of a future payment.

Fund expense ratios are annual operating costs, not a bill added to the historical returns shown here. Trading spreads, brokerage costs and personal taxes can reduce an investor's realized return.

Use the same dates to compare an income strategy with its index alternative. Look at both reinvested total return and price return before using either fund's payout rate in an income scenario.

Review Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF (RYLD) payment history and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) payment history before choosing assumptions for the dividend reinvestment calculator. Run each scenario separately; the calculator uses your rates rather than importing these historical returns.

For a cash target, use the income goal calculator. Read our guide to comparing dividend ETFs and data and editorial approach for context on the historical figures.