ATCL
Generally safe
Low confidence
ETF Comparison
ATCL vs VAIE: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of REX Autocallable Income ETF and VegaShares US Equity Autocallable Income ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Updated November 12, 2026
How these figures are calculated: methodology.
Best for
- ATCLInvestors who are comfortable trading away most upside for a large, steady payout.
- VAIEInvestors who are comfortable trading away most upside for a large, steady payout.
Price and total return
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Distribution Safety Score™
An estimate of distribution reliability, not price or principal safety, a probability, or a guarantee. Score methodology.
VAIE
Generally safe
Low confidence
Score snapshot as of .
Side-by-side snapshot
| Metric |  ATCL |  VAIE |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | REX Autocallable Income ETF | VegaShares US Equity Autocallable Income ETF |
| Issuer | REX Shares | VegaShares |
| Underlying index | Actively managed (no tracked index recorded) | NYSE U.S. 500 Adaptive Vol Autocallable Index |
| Last Close | $23.51 as of November 12, 2026 | $22.26 as of November 12, 2026 |
| Distribution rate | 14.35% | 16.59% |
| Trailing 12-month yield | 9.59% | 8.59% |
| 30-day SEC yield | 3.35% | — |
| Distribution Safety Score™ | 76 | 76 |
| Safety-Adjusted Yield | 10.91% | 12.61% |
| Expense ratio | 0.65% | 0.74% |
| AUM | $44.8M | $67.6M |
| Distribution frequency | Monthly | Weekly |
| Objective | Actively managed fund seeking to generate high monthly income with reduced downside risk through exposure to a U.S. large-cap autocallable strategy. | Seeks weekly income by tracking a laddered autocallable index built on U.S. large-cap equities, using a full replication approach. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 02/17/2026 | 05/12/2026 |
| Beta | 0.3959 | 1.3906 |
| Last dividend | $0.2812 | $0.071 |
| Ex-dividend date | 10/20/2026 | 11/05/2026 |
Total returns
100% reinvested · ex-date convention. Period returns use this fixed assumption, independent of chart settings. YTD and 1Y are cumulative period returns; 3Y, 5Y, and 10Y are annualized. The shared Since-start window is annualized only when it covers at least one year.
ATCL has outpaced VAIE over the year to date, posting a 2.71% total return against -3.79%. ATCL has been the steadier holding, though — annualized volatility of 10.5% against 22.1% for VAIE. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.
| Symbol | YTD cumulative | Since May 2026 | Volatility | Sharpe | Sortino | Max drawdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATCL | 2.71% | -0.28% | 10.5% | -0.46 | -0.54 | -6.3% |
| VAIE | -3.79% | -3.79% | 22.1% | -0.54 | -0.66 | -11.9% |
Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date (a modeling convention, not the cash-settlement date), split-adjusted, as of November 12, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative period returns; 3Y, 5Y, and 10Y are annualized. The shared Since-start window is annualized only when it covers at least one year. “Since May 2026” measures every fund from May 12, 2026 — the start of shared available history — so all funds share one comparison window. Volatility is the annualized standard deviation of daily total returns over the shared window since May 2026. Sharpe and Sortino divide the annualized return in excess of the risk-free rate by, respectively, that volatility and the downside deviation (both over the shared window since May 2026) — higher is better. Max drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough total-return decline over the same window — shallower is better.
Distribution rate, SEC yield and return of capital
| Metric | ATCL | VAIE |
|---|---|---|
| Forward distribution rate | 14.35% | 16.59% |
| Trailing 12-month yield | 9.59% | 8.59% |
| 30-day SEC yield | 3.35% | — |
| Return of capital | 73.90% | — |
Total return (price change plus reinvested distributions) is the Total returns section above. Return of capital is the share of a recent distribution that was not income. A 30-day SEC yield can sit far from the headline distribution rate; both numbers are the fund's own published fields.
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Bottom lineATCL and VAIE are both for investors who are comfortable trading away most upside for a large, steady payout — so strategy isn't the deciding factor here. Fees and payouts are close too, so it comes down to which your broker offers commission-free and any share-price or tax-lot preference. ATCL and VAIE both use option or derivative overlays. Their tradeoff is the underlying exposure, how each option strategy is implemented, and the yield each targets; either overlay can limit upside participation, so neither offers uncapped price exposure.
How the risk works
Read this before the income numbers below: the strategy mechanics on this page shape what those payouts can cost you.
- Capped upside and premium dependence. ATCL and VAIE generate income by selling options, which trades away part of a strong rally in exchange for premium. Distributions can include return of capital, and a payout the underlying assets cannot sustain shows up as NAV erosion over time — the big yield number is not free.
Learn the mechanics: Return of capital, explained · NAV erosion, explained
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
ETFs73
Total AUM$13.4B
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
The fund lineup emphasizes income generation through option strategies and sector-specific exposure, with holdings spanning technology, commodities, and alternative assets. REX Shares targets investors seeking non-traditional income approaches and concentrated sector bets, positioning itself in a niche segment focused on structured strategies rather than broad market indexing.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on ATCL.
ETFs7
Total AUM$78.2M
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
VegaShares specializes in options-based and thematic ETFs designed to generate income and capitalize on emerging trends. The issuer's lineup spans income-focused strategies, including covered call funds, alongside thematic offerings that target specific market segments and innovation themes. VegaShares serves investors seeking alternative approaches to traditional equity exposure, with a concentrated portfolio of strategically named funds addressing both income generation and sector-specific growth opportunities.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on VAIE.
Quick verdict
ATCL (REX Autocallable Income ETF) and VAIE (VegaShares US Equity Autocallable Income ETF) are both dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.
ATCL's latest distribution annualizes to 14.35%, but it has paid 9.59% over the trailing 12 months (it has not paid for a full year yet); VAIE's latest distribution annualizes to 16.59%, but it has paid 8.59% over the trailing 12 months (it has not paid for a full year yet). With ATCL and VAIE's two yield figures this far apart, neither settles which fund pays more. Compare the distribution rate and trailing 12-month yield rows in the snapshot below.
ATCL is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.65% compared to 0.74%.
They have different reference exposures: ATCL is linked to U.S. Large Cap Equities while VAIE is linked to NYSE U.S. 500 Adaptive Vol Autocallable Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
VAIE is the larger fund by assets ($67.6M), but assets alone do not establish trading costs or liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment at current distribution rates, ATCL would pay about $1,435.00 a year (about $119.58 per monthly distribution), while VAIE would pay about $1,659.00 a year (about $31.90 per weekly distribution).
ATCL yield14.35%
VAIE yield16.59%
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, ATCL would cost approximately $650 in fees vs $740 for VAIE (simplified, not compounded). The $90.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
ATCL ER0.65%
VAIE ER0.74%
Strategy & risk
ATCL is actively managed around U.S. Large Cap Equities exposure with an options approach, while VAIE tracks NYSE U.S. 500 Adaptive Vol Autocallable Index with an options approach. Beta is 0.3959 for ATCL and 1.3906 for VAIE, making ATCL the less sensitive to market moves of the two by this measure.
ATCL beta0.3959
VAIE beta1.3906
Fund details
ATCL is managed by REX Shares (launched 02/17/2026) with $44.8M in assets. VAIE is managed by VegaShares (launched 05/12/2026) with $67.6M in assets.
ATCL AUM$44.8M
VAIE AUM$67.6M
Frequently asked questions
What is the current distribution rate for ATCL and VAIE?
ATCL's latest distribution annualizes to 14.35%, and it has paid 9.59% over the past 12 months; VAIE's latest distribution annualizes to 16.59%, and it has paid 8.59% over the past 12 months, based on fund data updated November 2026. Because the two measures disagree for at least one fund, compare both rows in the snapshot and check the as-of date before relying on either figure.
Is ATCL or VAIE better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. ATCL's latest distribution annualizes to 14.35%, but it has paid 9.59% over the trailing 12 months (it has not paid for a full year yet); VAIE's latest distribution annualizes to 16.59%, but it has paid 8.59% over the trailing 12 months (it has not paid for a full year yet). With ATCL and VAIE's two yield figures this far apart, neither settles which fund pays more. Compare the distribution rate and trailing 12-month yield rows in the snapshot below. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between ATCL and VAIE?
ATCL (REX Autocallable Income ETF) is actively managed around U.S. Large Cap Equities exposure with an options approach, while VAIE (VegaShares US Equity Autocallable Income ETF) tracks NYSE U.S. 500 Adaptive Vol Autocallable Index with an options approach. They are issued by REX Shares and VegaShares respectively.
Can I hold both ATCL and VAIE?
Yes — nothing prevents holding both. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on how much the underlying exposures overlap, which isn't fully measurable from the data on this page; review each security's holdings, sector, and strategy before treating them as complementary.
Is ATCL or VAIE safer?
By Dividend Vision's Distribution Safety Score — a rules-based 0–100 estimate of how resilient a distribution looks, where higher is safer — they are effectively tied: ATCL scores 76, VAIE scores 76. Neither has a clear safety edge on that measure. ATCL has also been less sensitive to market moves (beta 0.40 vs 1.39 for VAIE). No score makes an investment risk-free — treat this as a screening signal, not a guarantee, and the leverage, options-income, or crypto caveats flagged on this page apply regardless of score.
Which has lower fees, ATCL or VAIE?
ATCL has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VAIE charges 0.74%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in ATCL vs VAIE generate?
At current distribution rates, $10,000 in ATCL would pay about $1,435.00 a year (about $119.58 per monthly distribution). $10,000 in VAIE would pay about $1,659.00 a year (about $31.90 per weekly distribution).
Which has performed better historically, ATCL or VAIE?
ATCL has outpaced VAIE over the year to date, posting a 2.71% total return against -3.79%. ATCL has been the steadier holding, though — annualized volatility of 10.5% against 22.1% for VAIE. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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ATCL vs VAIE — at a glance
Generated November 8, 2026.
Both use options-based structures to reduce downside exposure while harvesting premium income.
How they differ
VAIE's strategy tracks a laddered autocallable index using full replication, whereas ATCL is actively managed and seeks to balance high income generation with reduced downside risk.
ATCL carries an expense ratio of 0.65% compared to VAIE's 0.74%. ATCL reports a beta of 0.3959, indicating lower sensitivity to broad equity market swings.
Who each is best for
ATCL: Fits investors seeking monthly income from a U.S. large-cap core with active risk management, who prefer lower expense ratios and are comfortable with moderate equity-market sensitivity for a structurally dampened downside.
VAIE: Fits investors who prioritize accelerated weekly income distribution and are willing to accept a higher yield target and slightly elevated fees in exchange for a rules-based laddered autocallable approach.
Key risks to know
- NAV erosion at elevated yields. Both funds distribute at rates well above 14% annually. When distributions consistently exceed the underlying portfolio's organic gains, NAV tends to compress over time, reducing the principal base and the absolute dollar income even if the distribution rate holds steady.
- Autocallable knockout risk. If the underlying large-cap index rises sharply, the autocallable structure may "knock out" (early redemption), terminating further premium income collection. This caps upside capture and forces reinvestment decisions at potentially lower yield levels.
- Options and volatility sensitivity. Both strategies rely on selling options to fund income. If realized volatility falls below implied volatility priced into premiums, income generation may lag expectations. Conversely, sharp rallies or crashes can trigger rapid losses or early knockouts, disrupting the income stream.
Bottom line
If you value lower expenses and measured downside dampening, ATCL's active management and monthly distribution offer one approach with moderate market sensitivity. If you prioritize maximum current income frequency, VAIE's weekly payout and laddered autocallable design targets a higher yield, though both funds face material NAV erosion risk at such elevated distribution rates. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
AI-generated analysis for educational purposes only. Verify important details independently; past performance does not guarantee future results.
Learn the method
The metrics behind this comparison, explained in the Academy.
These comparisons follow the Dividend Vision methodology.