DV
Dividend Vision

ETF Comparison

CHPY vs SOXX: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?

A head-to-head comparison of YieldMax Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETF and iShares Semiconductor ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.

Updated October 2, 2026

How these figures are calculated: methodology.

Best for

  • CHPYInvestors who want to maximize current income — roughly 39.14%, generated by selling options premium.
  • SOXXInvestors who want broad equity exposure.

Jump to the side-by-side numbers

Visual comparison

Key metrics

Projected income on $10K

Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.

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.

CHPY has lagged SOXX over the trailing twelve months, posting a 93.64% total return against 113.79%. Measured from Apr 2025 — the start of shared available history — SOXX has compounded at 130.07% a year versus 103.15% for CHPY. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.

Total return and risk statistics by fund. Each row is one fund; each column is one period or statistic.
SymbolYTD cumulative1Y cumulativeSince Apr 2025Volatility Sharpe Sortino Max drawdown
CHPY71.07%93.64%103.15%40.2%1.532.21-27.6%
SOXX88.06%113.79%130.07%46.4%1.542.20-29.0%

Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date (a modeling convention, not the cash-settlement date), split-adjusted, as of October 2, 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 Apr 2025” measures every fund from April 3, 2025 — 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 past year. 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 past year) — 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

MetricCHPYSOXX
Forward distribution rate39.14%0.22%
Trailing 12-month yield38.44%0.21%
30-day SEC yield-0.38%—
Return of capital99.88%—

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.

Side-by-side snapshot

Side-by-side snapshot. Each row is one metric; each column is one fund.
MetricCHPYSOXX
Full nameYieldMax Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETFiShares Semiconductor ETF
IssuerYieldMaxiShares
Underlying indexBasket (Semiconductor companies)ICE Semiconductor Index
Last Close$71.54 as of October 2, 2026$588.90 as of October 2, 2026
Distribution rate39.14%0.22%
Trailing 12-month yield38.44%0.21%
30-day SEC yield-0.38%—
Distribution Safety Score™ 7966
Safety-Adjusted Yield 30.92%0.15%
Expense ratio1.03%0.33%
AUM$1.30B$48.9B
Distribution frequencyWeeklyQuarterly
ObjectiveSeeks weekly income by holding a portfolio of U.S.-listed semiconductor equities and generating premium through an options overlay written on those holdings and on semiconductor ETFs.Tracks the ICE Semiconductor Index of US-listed semiconductor companies.
Asset classEquityEquity
Inception date04/02/202507/10/2001
Beta1.86132.33
Last dividend$0.5385$0.325
Ex-dividend date09/30/202609/15/2026

Bottom lineChoose CHPY if you want to maximize current income — roughly 39.14%, generated by selling options premium. Choose SOXX if you want broad equity exposure. There's no free lunch: CHPY's payout comes from selling options, which caps upside and can erode the share price over time, while SOXX keeps full 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. CHPY generates 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

Model this comparison:
Compare in my portfolio Forecast income Save to watchlist

Income calculator

See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.

YieldMax
ETFs62
Total AUM$10.1B

ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.

YieldMax is known for specializing in options-based and income-focused ETFs that emphasize yield generation through covered call strategies and other income-producing methodologies. The firm operates a diverse lineup of 63 funds organized across multiple families including covered call strategies, 0DTE (zero days to expiration) options, double distribution approaches, and various target-date and performance-based portfolios designed to generate regular distributions. Notable offerings span popular underlying assets like major technology stocks and broad market indices, with a particular emphasis on providing enhanced income solutions for investors seeking regular cash flows through options strategies and other tactical approaches.

See our curated list of related YouTube videos on CHPY.

See all YieldMax ETFs
iShares
ETFs466
Total AUM$4683B

ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.

iShares is one of the largest ETF providers globally, known for offering a broad, diversified lineup of exchange-traded funds across multiple asset classes and investment strategies. The company operates 215 funds spanning 15 distinct families, including popular offerings in dividend income, covered call strategies, bonds, equities, ESG-focused investments, and factor-based approaches, with widely-held tickers like AGG (bond), ACWI (global equity), and AOA (allocation). iShares is characterized by its comprehensive fund ecosystem that serves both core portfolio holdings and specialized investment strategies, making it a prominent player for investors seeking both traditional and alternative income-generating ETF solutions.

See our curated list of related YouTube videos on SOXX.

See all iShares ETFs

Want to go deeper?

Add these ETFs to a sample portfolio and forecast your dividend income over 5+ years — free to start, no credit card.

Compare in my portfolio Forecast income Save to watchlist

Quick verdict

CHPY (YieldMax Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETF) and SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) are both dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.

CHPY offers the higher yield at 39.14% vs 0.22% for SOXX. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.

SOXX is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.33% compared to 1.03%.

They have different reference exposures: CHPY is linked to Basket (Semiconductor companies) while SOXX is linked to ICE Semiconductor Index, which means their performance drivers differ.

SOXX is the larger fund by assets ($48.9B), but assets alone do not establish trading costs or liquidity.

Who should choose each?

Choose CHPY

YieldMax Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETF

  • Want to maximize current income — CHPY distributes roughly 39.14% from selling options premium, vs 0.22% for SOXX.
  • Are comfortable with an options-income strategy — a large payout in exchange for capped upside.
  • Prefer lower volatility — a beta of 1.9 vs 2.3 for SOXX.

Choose SOXX

iShares Semiconductor ETF

  • Want broad equity exposure.
  • Want to keep costs low — a 0.33% expense ratio vs 1.03% for CHPY.

Not sure? Use the income calculator and snapshot above to weigh these trade-offs against your own goals.

Deep dive

Yield & income

On a $10,000 investment, CHPY would generate roughly $75.27 cash per distribution, while SOXX would produce $5.50 cash per distribution, at current distribution rates.

CHPY yield39.14%
SOXX yield0.22%
Cash diff on $10K$69.77

Cost & efficiency

Over 10 years on $10,000, CHPY would cost approximately $1,030 in fees vs $330 for SOXX (simplified, not compounded). The $700.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.

CHPY ER1.03%
SOXX ER0.33%

Strategy & risk

CHPY tracks Basket (Semiconductor companies) with a covered call approach, while SOXX tracks ICE Semiconductor Index. Beta is 1.8613 for CHPY and 2.33 for SOXX, making CHPY the less volatile of the two by this measure.

CHPY beta1.8613
SOXX beta2.33

Fund details

CHPY is managed by YieldMax (launched 04/02/2025) with $1.30B in assets. SOXX is managed by iShares (launched 07/10/2001) with $48.9B in assets.

CHPY AUM$1.30B
SOXX AUM$48.9B
Ready to act?
Open in Comparator Model in portfolio See pricing

Enjoyed this page?

Do us a favor — if you found this comparison useful, please share it with a friend researching dividend ETFs.

Frequently asked questions

What is the current distribution rate for CHPY and SOXX?

CHPY currently distributes 39.14% and SOXX 0.22%, based on fund data updated October 2026. Distribution rate moves with both the payout and the share price, so check the as-of date before relying on either figure.

Is CHPY or SOXX better for dividend income?

It depends on your goals. CHPY currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. 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 CHPY and SOXX?

CHPY (YieldMax Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETF) tracks Basket (Semiconductor companies) with a covered call approach, while SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) tracks ICE Semiconductor Index. They are issued by YieldMax and iShares respectively.

Can I hold both CHPY and SOXX?

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 CHPY or SOXX safer?

By Dividend Vision's Distribution Safety Score — a rules-based 0–100 estimate of how resilient a distribution looks, where higher is safer — CHPY scores 79, SOXX scores 66, so CHPY's payout currently looks the more resilient of the two. CHPY has also shown lower price volatility (beta 1.86 vs 2.33 for SOXX). 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, CHPY or SOXX?

CHPY has an expense ratio of 1.03% while SOXX charges 0.33%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.

How much income does $10,000 in CHPY vs SOXX generate?

At current rates, $10,000 in CHPY would generate roughly $75.27 cash per distribution ($3,914.00 annually). The same in SOXX would produce about $5.50 cash per distribution ($22.00 annually).

Which has performed better historically, CHPY or SOXX?

CHPY has lagged SOXX over the trailing twelve months, posting a 93.64% total return against 113.79%. Measured from Apr 2025 — the start of shared available history — SOXX has compounded at 130.07% a year versus 103.15% for CHPY. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

More comparisons to explore

CHPY vs SOXX — at a glance

Generated October 3, 2026.

Overview

CHPY and SOXX both gain exposure to U.S. semiconductor companies, but they pursue fundamentally different strategies. The structural difference — index-tracking versus covered-call overlay — drives their yield profiles and risk characteristics.

How they differ

The dominant difference is strategy: SOXX is a passive index tracker, while CHPY is an active options-overlay fund that sells call premiums on its semiconductor holdings to generate income.

CHPY's 1.8613 beta is notably lower than SOXX's 2.33, reflecting the dampening effect of short calls written against the portfolio. The cost to hold each reflects their complexity: CHPY charges 1.03% while SOXX charges 0.33%, a 0.7% gap largely attributable to options management overhead. SOXX is substantially larger, with $48.9B in assets versus CHPY's $1.30B, and has a 24-year track record compared to CHPY's recent inception on 04/02/2025.

Who each is best for

CHPY: Fits investors seeking current weekly income from a semiconductor allocation and who are comfortable with capped upside (call buyers own the semiconductor gains above the strike) in exchange for option premium. Works for income-focused time horizons and holdings where near-term capital appreciation is a secondary priority.

SOXX: Fits buy-and-hold investors who want unrestricted upside exposure to semiconductor price appreciation and dividends, prefer minimal fees, and are comfortable with the volatility and cyclicality of the sector. Aligns with longer-term wealth-building rather than income generation.

Key risks to know

  • NAV erosion at extreme distribution rates. CHPY's 39.14% yield is heavily reliant on option premium collection and not backed by sustainable underlying dividend yields. If semiconductor volatility compresses or option buyers reprice risk, the fund may struggle to maintain distributions without drawing down principal.
  • Call-writing caps upside. CHPY's short calls limit gains if semiconductor stocks rally sharply. An investor holding CHPY during a strong sector rally will underperform SOXX because the call strikes will be exercised or approached, capping returns.
  • High beta concentration. Both funds hold concentrated sector exposure (semiconductors), and SOXX's beta of 2.33 means it swings harder than the broad market in both directions. Semiconductor cyclicality and supply-chain sensitivity amplify drawdown risk during industry downturns.
  • Track record maturity. CHPY began trading on 04/02/2025. There is no historical precedent for how the options strategy performs through a full market cycle, including a sustained downtrend in semiconductor valuations or a sharp volatility spike.

Bottom line

If you want unrestricted semiconductor exposure and can tolerate cyclical volatility, SOXX provides indexed tracking with low fees and a long operational history. If you prioritize current income and accept capped upside as a trade-off, CHPY's weekly premium strategy appeals—but its extreme distribution rate and very recent inception mean sustainability is unproven. Past performance does not guarantee future results; verify how each fund has performed through periods matching your intended holding horizon.

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.

How covered-call funds work How to read a fund's stats The covered-call opportunity cost

Still deciding? Compare them against your own portfolio

See how each ETF fits alongside your real holdings — forecast future income, analyze overlap, and gauge risk. Start a free 7-day Dividend Vision trial and make the call with your full portfolio in view.

Start Free Open in Comparator Browse Screener

These comparisons follow the Dividend Vision methodology.