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

This page compares S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) with Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF (RYLD) using prices and distributions through November 9, 2026. The numbers update automatically after each trading session.

With dividends reinvested, XYLD has led over the last 12 months at +14.43% versus +13.61% for RYLD. RYLD currently yields 12.08% (trailing 12-month) against 10.33% for XYLD. Across five years the total-return gap is +40.91% for XYLD 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 -18.66% for XYLD and -21.36% for RYLD. These figures use the same available dates for both instruments, exclude intraday moves, and are not forecasts.

XYLD's recorded distributions over the 12 months ending November 9, 2026 ranged from $0.2964 to $0.4088 per share across 12 distribution dates. A payment range includes special distributions and does not establish the amount of a future payment.

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.

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.

Read the strategy notes alongside the payout record. Compare the income received with total return and downside over the same dates, then review how each issuer implements its option overlay.

Review S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) payment history and Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF (RYLD) 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.