In the enhanced volatility of 2025 markets, the NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF (SPYI) maintains notable outperformance within its covered call ETF peer group. The strategy's high distribution rates and enhanced tax-efficiency continues to draw advisor and investor attention and flows.
I revisit SPYI and GPIX ETFs after a rapid bear cycle to assess their performance and differences. Both funds experienced the market downturn and subsequent recovery, providing a real-world test of their strategies. I compare their returns over various parts of the cycle to show the strengths and weaknesses of these funds and their unique strategies.
The market appears overbought amid macro uncertainties, making option income ETFs attractive tools for investors seeking stability. Neos S&P 500 High Income ETF stands out as my top pick for current conditions, rated a buy for those targeting moderate gains through 2025. A larger underlying portfolio, like SPYI's 500 holdings, offers better volatility management during economic slowdowns than narrower funds.
![]() SPYI In 3 weeks Estimated | Monthly | $0.51 Per Share |
![]() SPYI 1 week ago Paid | Monthly | $0.51 Per Share |
![]() SPYI 1 month ago Paid | Other | $0.51 Per Share |
![]() SPYI 2 months ago Paid | Monthly | $0.51 Per Share |
![]() SPYI 3 months ago Paid | Monthly | $0.46 Per Share |
![]() SPYI 4 months ago Paid | Monthly | $0.51 Per Share |
![]() SPYI In 3 weeks Estimated | Monthly | $0.51 Per Share |
![]() SPYI 1 week ago Paid | Monthly | $0.51 Per Share |
![]() SPYI 1 month ago Paid | Other | $0.51 Per Share |
![]() SPYI 2 months ago Paid | Monthly | $0.51 Per Share |
![]() SPYI 3 months ago Paid | Monthly | $0.46 Per Share |
![]() SPYI 4 months ago Paid | Monthly | $0.51 Per Share |
BATS Exchange | US Country |
The fund is a distinctive actively-managed Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) that specifically aims to meet its investment objective through a dual strategy focused on equity and options. This fund builds its core by investing in a broad portfolio of stocks precisely mirroring the S&P 500® Index. This composition ensures a solid foundation in well-established companies that constitute the significant part of the U.S. stock market. In parallel, the fund adopts a sophisticated call options strategy to potentially enhance its returns and manage risk. This strategy involves a balance between written (sold) and long (bought) call options on the S&P 500® Index itself, providing a unique approach to equity investment through the strategic use of derivatives. The intent is to capture growth opportunities in the market while seeking to offer some level of protection against downturns through the covered call options, which may be included under certain conditions. This blend of direct stock investments and careful options trading forms the core of the fund's operation, targeting investors who are keen on S&P 500® exposure complemented by the potential income and hedging benefits of options strategies.
This product focuses on acquiring shares from a broad spectrum of companies included in the S&P 500® Index. The intent is to replicate the performance of this major U.S. stock market index, which comprises large-cap U.S. equities. By investing in a diversified portfolio that reflects the Index, the fund aims to provide steady growth potential to its investors over time.
The call options strategy employed by the fund is multifaceted, consisting of both written (sold) and long (bought) positions on the S&P 500® Index. This approach is designed to enhance the fund's income through premiums received on written options, while bought call options may offer leveraged exposure to potential index gains. In specific market conditions, the fund may also engage in covered call options, aiming to generate additional income while offering a hedge against potential declines in the underlying stock portfolio. This strategy seeks to balance risk and return by leveraging options in a way that complements the fund's equity holdings.