ETF Comparison
QYLD vs XYLD: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of Global X Nasdaq 100 Covered Call ETF and Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| QYLD | XYLD | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Global X Nasdaq 100 Covered Call ETF | Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF |
| Issuer | Global X | Global X |
| Price | $17.25 | $39.31 |
| Distribution yield | 11.62% | 10.58% |
| Expense ratio | 0.60% | 0.60% |
| AUM | $8.3B | $3.2B |
| Distribution frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Underlying index | NASDAQ 100 | S&P 500 Index |
| Objective | Covered Call | Covered Call |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 12/11/2013 | 06/24/2013 |
| Beta | 0.51 | 0.4 |
| Last dividend | $0.17 | $0.39 |
| Ex-dividend date | 03/23/2026 | 03/23/2026 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
QYLD (Global X Nasdaq 100 Covered Call ETF) and XYLD (Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF) are both popular monthly-pay covered call ETFs, but they take different approaches.
QYLD offers the higher yield at 11.62% vs 10.58% for XYLD. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
They track different benchmarks: QYLD is linked to NASDAQ 100 while XYLD tracks S&P 500 Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
QYLD is the larger fund by assets ($8.3B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, QYLD would generate roughly $96.83/month while XYLD would produce $88.17/month at current distribution rates. Both pay monthly distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, QYLD would cost approximately $600 in fees vs $600 for XYLD (simplified, not compounded). Both charge the same expense ratio.
Strategy & risk
QYLD tracks NASDAQ 100 with a covered call approach, while XYLD tracks S&P 500 Index using a covered call strategy. Beta is 0.51 for QYLD and 0.4 for XYLD, indicating XYLD is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
QYLD is managed by Global X (launched 12/11/2013) with $8.3B in assets. XYLD is managed by Global X (launched 06/24/2013) with $3.2B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is QYLD or XYLD better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. QYLD 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 QYLD and XYLD?
QYLD (Global X Nasdaq 100 Covered Call ETF) tracks NASDAQ 100 with a covered call strategy, while XYLD (Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF) tracks S&P 500 Index with a covered call approach. They are issued by Global X and Global X respectively.
Can I hold both QYLD and XYLD?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, QYLD or XYLD?
QYLD has an expense ratio of 0.60% while XYLD charges 0.60%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in QYLD vs XYLD generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in QYLD would generate roughly $96.83 per month ($1,162.00 annually). The same in XYLD would produce about $88.17 per month ($1,058.00 annually).
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