OptionsPilot vs XYLD: Selling Covered Calls vs S&P 500 Covered Call ETF
Compare selling your own covered calls with OptionsPilot versus buying XYLD (S&P 500 covered call ETF). Which approach is better for income?
Feature Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Is XYLD better than selling my own covered calls?
XYLD is better if you want completely passive income with no effort. However, DIY covered calls with OptionsPilot typically deliver better risk-adjusted returns because you can optimize strikes, avoid the 0.60% expense ratio, and retain more upside potential.
What is XYLD?
XYLD is Global X's S&P 500 Covered Call ETF. It holds S&P 500 stocks and sells monthly at-the-money covered calls, distributing premium as monthly income. It yields approximately 10% annually but caps all upside.
How does XYLD compare to QYLD?
XYLD tracks the S&P 500 while QYLD tracks the Nasdaq-100. QYLD typically has higher yield due to Nasdaq's higher volatility. Both cap all upside and have similar expense ratios. DIY covered calls with OptionsPilot beat both by optimizing strikes.
Should I own XYLD or sell covered calls on SPY?
Selling covered calls on SPY with OptionsPilot gives you more control, no expense ratio, tax efficiency, and the ability to capture some upside by choosing OTM strikes. XYLD is only better if you want zero effort and are okay with capped returns.
Our Verdict
Use OptionsPilot for: Finding and analyzing covered calls with AI-powered recommendations, calculating returns instantly, and tracking positions with iPhone widgets.
Use XYLD ETF for: Passive income with no effort required.
Best approach: Sell your own covered calls with OptionsPilot for better returns and more control.
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