ETF Comparison
XYLD vs RYLD: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF and Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| XYLD | RYLD | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF | Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF |
| Issuer | Global X | Global X |
| Price | $39.31 | $15.01 |
| Distribution yield | 10.58% | 11.64% |
| Expense ratio | 0.60% | 0.60% |
| AUM | $3.2B | $1.3B |
| Distribution frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Underlying index | S&P 500 Index | Russell 2000 |
| Objective | Covered Call | Covered Call |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 06/24/2013 | 04/18/2019 |
| Beta | 0.4 | 0.52 |
| Last dividend | $0.39 | $0.15 |
| 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
XYLD (Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF) and RYLD (Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF) are both popular monthly-pay covered call ETFs, but they take different approaches.
RYLD offers the higher yield at 11.64% 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: XYLD is linked to S&P 500 Index while RYLD tracks Russell 2000, which means their performance drivers differ.
XYLD is the larger fund by assets ($3.2B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, XYLD would generate roughly $88.17/month while RYLD would produce $97.00/month at current distribution rates. Both pay monthly distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, XYLD would cost approximately $600 in fees vs $600 for RYLD (simplified, not compounded). Both charge the same expense ratio.
Strategy & risk
XYLD tracks S&P 500 Index with a covered call approach, while RYLD tracks Russell 2000 using a covered call strategy. Beta is 0.4 for XYLD and 0.52 for RYLD, indicating XYLD is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
XYLD is managed by Global X (launched 06/24/2013) with $3.2B in assets. RYLD is managed by Global X (launched 04/18/2019) with $1.3B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is XYLD or RYLD better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. RYLD 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 XYLD and RYLD?
XYLD (Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF) tracks S&P 500 Index with a covered call strategy, while RYLD (Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF) tracks Russell 2000 with a covered call approach. They are issued by Global X and Global X respectively.
Can I hold both XYLD and RYLD?
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, XYLD or RYLD?
XYLD has an expense ratio of 0.60% while RYLD charges 0.60%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in XYLD vs RYLD generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in XYLD would generate roughly $88.17 per month ($1,058.00 annually). The same in RYLD would produce about $97.00 per month ($1,164.00 annually).
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