SPYI vs RYLD: Dividend Yield, Total Return & Fees Compared
NEOS S&P 500 High IncomeRussell 2000 Covered Call ETF
Data as of the close · refreshed automatically every trading day
Performance: SPYI vs RYLD
Total return assumes every distribution is reinvested. Switch to price return to see the change in share price alone.
Total Return (%) · dividends reinvested · Nov 7, 2025 – Nov 9, 2026
DividendDuel.comSPYI vs RYLD at a glance
This page compares NEOS S&P 500 High Income (SPYI) 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, RYLD has led over the last 12 months at +13.61% versus +13.07% for SPYI. They currently yield about the same, 12.08%.
The higher-yielding fund (SPYI) 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.
| Metric | SPYI | RYLD |
|---|---|---|
| Last close | $52.33 | $15.45 |
| Dividend yield | 12.08% (TTM) | 12.08% (TTM) |
| Expense ratio | 0.68% | 0.60% |
| Pays | monthly | monthly |
| Dividends, last 12 months | $6.32 (12 payments) | $1.87 (12 payments) |
| Issuer | NEOS Investments | Global X |
| Inception | — | — |
Overview
Key fund stats as of the latest close.
Total returns
Price change plus dividends paid, by holding period. Best in each period is outlined.
Downside and distribution variability
Income and ending returns do not describe the whole investment experience.
Across 1,053 shared trading dates from August 30, 2022 to November 9, 2026, the largest observed peak-to-trough decline with dividends reinvested was -16.46% for SPYI and -19.05% for RYLD. These figures use the same available dates for both instruments, exclude intraday moves, and are not forecasts.
SPYI's recorded distributions over the 12 months ending November 9, 2026 ranged from $0.5087 to $0.5423 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.
Recent distributions
The latest 12 distributions per share, newest first. Dates are reported ex-dividend dates, not cash payment dates.
| SPYI | RYLD | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 21, 2026 | $0.5087 | Oct 19, 2026 | $0.1478 |
| Sep 16, 2026 | $0.5338 | Sep 21, 2026 | $0.1475 |
| Aug 19, 2026 | $0.5423 | Aug 24, 2026 | $0.1653 |
| Jul 22, 2026 | $0.530 | Jul 20, 2026 | $0.1605 |
| Jun 16, 2026 | $0.531 | Jun 22, 2026 | $0.1618 |
| May 20, 2026 | $0.5353 | May 18, 2026 | $0.1568 |
| Apr 22, 2026 | $0.5247 | Apr 20, 2026 | $0.1566 |
| Mar 18, 2026 | $0.5104 | Mar 23, 2026 | $0.1475 |
| Feb 18, 2026 | $0.5219 | Feb 23, 2026 | $0.1584 |
| Jan 21, 2026 | $0.5309 | Jan 20, 2026 | $0.1573 |
| Dec 24, 2025 | $0.5316 | Dec 22, 2025 | $0.1551 |
| Nov 26, 2025 | $0.5216 | Nov 24, 2025 | $0.1518 |
SPYI vs RYLD: common questions
Which pays a higher dividend, SPYI or RYLD?
As of November 9, 2026, SPYI yields 12.08% (trailing 12-month) and RYLD yields 12.08% (trailing 12-month), so SPYI currently pays the higher yield. A higher yield does not guarantee a higher total return.
Which has performed better, SPYI or RYLD?
Over the past year with dividends reinvested, SPYI returned +13.07% and RYLD returned +13.61%. Past performance does not predict future results.
What would $10,000 in SPYI vs RYLD be worth after one year?
With dividends reinvested, $10,000 invested one year before November 9, 2026 would have grown to about $11,307 in SPYI and $11,361 in RYLD.
Which is cheaper to own, SPYI or RYLD?
RYLD has the lower expense ratio at 0.60% a year, compared with 0.68% for SPYI. On $10,000 that is roughly $60 vs $68 a year.
How often do SPYI and RYLD pay dividends?
SPYI pays monthly (12 payments in the last 12 months) and RYLD pays monthly (12 payments).
Is SPYI or RYLD the better investment?
It depends on your goals, time horizon and tax situation. Income-focused investors often weigh yield and payment frequency, while long-term investors usually compare total return and fees. Dividend Duel is an educational tool and does not provide investment advice.
Research SPYI and RYLD beyond the yield
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 NEOS S&P 500 High Income (SPYI) 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.
Related comparisons
More side-by-side comparisons with SPYI and RYLD.
Published by Delta Dividends LLC. This page is for education only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Read the full disclosure.