IQ
Question · Income ETFs

What is an option income ETF?

Share
Share on X

A fund that holds an index or a single stock, sells options against it, and pays out what those options earned. ETFIQ tracks 377 of them. The payout is the point and it is not the whole story: over the year to Nov 4, 2026, 81 of the 264 with a full year finished ahead of their benchmark once the cash and the price are counted together.

askIQ about this question
Where the return came from, over the year to Nov 4, 2026
MRNY362.1 pts behind MRNA
362.1 pts behind MRNAMRNY over 1 year: paid 125.5%, price +208.2%, total +625.8%, MRNA +987.9%, −362.1 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.MRNA+987.9%MRNY+625.8%362.1 pts behind MRNATotal return, distributions reinvested362.1 pts behind MRNAMRNY over 1 year: paid 125.5%, price +208.2%, total +625.8%, MRNA +987.9%, −362.1 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.MRNA+987.9%MRNY+625.8%362.1 pts behind MRNA
WNTR13.9 pts ahead of short MSTR
13.9 pts ahead of short MSTRWNTR over 1 year: paid 72.4%, price −54.8%, total +2.3%, short MSTR −11.6%, +13.9 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.short MSTR−11.6%WNTR+2.3%13.9 pts ahead of short MSTRTotal return, distributions reinvested13.9 pts ahead of short MSTRWNTR over 1 year: paid 72.4%, price −54.8%, total +2.3%, short MSTR −11.6%, +13.9 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.short MSTR−11.6%WNTR+2.3%13.9 pts ahead of short MSTR
AMDW6.5 pts ahead of AMD
6.5 pts ahead of AMDAMDW over 1 year: paid 69.7%, price +7.2%, total +102.0%, AMD +95.5%, +6.5 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.AMD+95.5%AMDW+102.0%69.7% as cash6.5 pts ahead of AMDTotal return, distributions reinvested6.5 pts ahead of AMDAMDW over 1 year: paid 69.7%, price +7.2%, total +102.0%, AMD +95.5%, +6.5 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.AMD+95.5%AMDW+102.0%
FIAT20.1 pts ahead of short COIN
20.1 pts ahead of short COINFIAT over 1 year: paid 69.2%, price −34.4%, total +40.5%, short COIN +20.4%, +20.1 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.short COIN+20.4%FIAT+40.5%69.2% of it arrived as cash20.1 pts ahead of short COINTotal return, distributions reinvested20.1 pts ahead of short COINFIAT over 1 year: paid 69.2%, price −34.4%, total +40.5%, short COIN +20.4%, +20.1 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.short COIN+20.4%FIAT+40.5%20.1 pts ahead of short COIN
ARMW10 pts behind ARM
10 pts behind ARMARMW over 1 year: paid 68.7%, price −45.9%, total +9.3%, ARM +19.3%, −10.0 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.ARM+19.3%ARMW+9.3%68.7% as cash10 pts behind ARMTotal return, distributions reinvested10 pts behind ARMARMW over 1 year: paid 68.7%, price −45.9%, total +9.3%, ARM +19.3%, −10.0 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.ARM+19.3%ARMW+9.3%10 pts behind ARM
AMDY27.5 pts behind AMD
27.5 pts behind AMDAMDY over 1 year: paid 66.3%, price −18.1%, total +68.0%, AMD +95.5%, −27.5 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.AMD+95.5%AMDY+68.0%66.3% as cash27.5 pts behind AMDTotal return, distributions reinvested27.5 pts behind AMDAMDY over 1 year: paid 66.3%, price −18.1%, total +68.0%, AMD +95.5%, −27.5 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.AMD+95.5%AMDY+68.0%27.5 pts behind AMD
CVNY2.4 pts ahead of CVNA
2.4 pts ahead of CVNACVNY over 1 year: paid 58.6%, price −37.6%, total +27.6%, CVNA +25.2%, +2.4 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.CVNA+25.2%CVNY+27.6%58.6% of it arrived as cash2.4 pts ahead of CVNATotal return, distributions reinvested2.4 pts ahead of CVNACVNY over 1 year: paid 58.6%, price −37.6%, total +27.6%, CVNA +25.2%, +2.4 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.CVNA+25.2%CVNY+27.6%2.4 pts ahead of CVNA
AMYY86 pts behind AMD
86 pts behind AMDAMYY over 1 year: paid 57.5%, price −53.2%, total +9.5%, AMD +95.5%, −86.0 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.AMD+95.5%AMYY+9.5%86 pts behind AMDTotal return, distributions reinvested86 pts behind AMDAMYY over 1 year: paid 57.5%, price −53.2%, total +9.5%, AMD +95.5%, −86.0 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.AMD+95.5%AMYY+9.5%86 pts behind AMD
IOYY4.9 pts ahead of IONQ
4.9 pts ahead of IONQIOYY over 1 year: paid 55.5%, price −79.6%, total −39.8%, IONQ −44.7%, +4.9 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.IONQ−44.7%IOYY−39.8%4.9 pts ahead of IONQTotal return, distributions reinvested4.9 pts ahead of IONQIOYY over 1 year: paid 55.5%, price −79.6%, total −39.8%, IONQ −44.7%, +4.9 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.IONQ−44.7%IOYY−39.8%
GDXW4.5 pts behind GDX
4.5 pts behind GDXGDXW over 1 year: paid 53.9%, price −27.7%, total +20.3%, GDX +24.8%, −4.5 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.GDX+24.8%GDXW+20.3%53.9% of it arrived as cash4.5 pts behind GDXTotal return, distributions reinvested4.5 pts behind GDXGDXW over 1 year: paid 53.9%, price −27.7%, total +20.3%, GDX +24.8%, −4.5 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.GDX+24.8%GDXW+20.3%4.5 pts behind GDX
USOY46.2 pts behind USO
46.2 pts behind USOUSOY over 1 year: paid 51.6%, price −4.8%, total +56.0%, USO +102.2%, −46.2 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.USO+102.2%USOY+56.0%51.6% as cash46.2 pts behind USOTotal return, distributions reinvested46.2 pts behind USOUSOY over 1 year: paid 51.6%, price −4.8%, total +56.0%, USO +102.2%, −46.2 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.USO+102.2%USOY+56.0%46.2 pts behind USO
SMYY6.9 pts ahead of SMCI
6.9 pts ahead of SMCISMYY over 1 year: paid 50.5%, price −76.0%, total −30.7%, SMCI −37.6%, +6.9 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.SMCI−37.6%SMYY−30.7%6.9 pts ahead of SMCITotal return, distributions reinvested6.9 pts ahead of SMCISMYY over 1 year: paid 50.5%, price −76.0%, total −30.7%, SMCI −37.6%, +6.9 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.SMCI−37.6%SMYY−30.7%
RDYY1.3 pts ahead of RDDT
1.3 pts ahead of RDDTRDYY over 1 year: paid 49.5%, price −74.5%, total −44.4%, RDDT −45.7%, +1.3 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.RDDT−45.7%RDYY−44.4%1.3 pts ahead of RDDTTotal return, distributions reinvested1.3 pts ahead of RDDTRDYY over 1 year: paid 49.5%, price −74.5%, total −44.4%, RDDT −45.7%, +1.3 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.RDDT−45.7%RDYY−44.4%
TSYY11.4 pts behind TSLA
11.4 pts behind TSLATSYY over 1 year: paid 49.1%, price −68.0%, total −24.7%, TSLA −13.3%, −11.4 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.TSLA−13.3%TSYY−24.7%11.4 pts behind TSLATotal return, distributions reinvested11.4 pts behind TSLATSYY over 1 year: paid 49.1%, price −68.0%, total −24.7%, TSLA −13.3%, −11.4 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.TSLA−13.3%TSYY−24.7%11.4 pts behind TSLA
CHPY29.5 pts ahead of SPY
29.5 pts ahead of SPYCHPY over 1 year: paid 48.9%, price −6.0%, total +44.3%, SPY +14.8%, +29.5 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.SPY+14.8%CHPY+44.3%48.9% of it arrived as cash29.5 pts ahead of SPYTotal return, distributions reinvested29.5 pts ahead of SPYCHPY over 1 year: paid 48.9%, price −6.0%, total +44.3%, SPY +14.8%, +29.5 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.SPY+14.8%CHPY+44.3%29.5 pts ahead of SPY
GDXY17.7 pts behind GDX
17.7 pts behind GDXGDXY over 1 year: paid 48.8%, price −37.3%, total +7.1%, GDX +24.8%, −17.7 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.GDX+24.8%GDXY+7.1%17.7 pts behind GDXTotal return, distributions reinvested17.7 pts behind GDXGDXY over 1 year: paid 48.8%, price −37.3%, total +7.1%, GDX +24.8%, −17.7 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.GDX+24.8%GDXY+7.1%17.7 pts behind GDX
CRCO5.2 pts ahead of CRCL
5.2 pts ahead of CRCLCRCO over 1 year: paid 47.6%, price −69.7%, total −26.4%, CRCL −31.6%, +5.2 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.CRCL−31.6%CRCO−26.4%5.2 pts ahead of CRCLTotal return, distributions reinvested5.2 pts ahead of CRCLCRCO over 1 year: paid 47.6%, price −69.7%, total −26.4%, CRCL −31.6%, +5.2 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.CRCL−31.6%CRCO−26.4%
MAAY7 pts ahead of MARA
7 pts ahead of MARAMAAY over 1 year: paid 47.6%, price −84.4%, total −51.7%, MARA −58.7%, +7.0 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.MARA−58.7%MAAY−51.7%7 pts ahead of MARATotal return, distributions reinvested7 pts ahead of MARAMAAY over 1 year: paid 47.6%, price −84.4%, total −51.7%, MARA −58.7%, +7.0 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.MARA−58.7%MAAY−51.7%7 pts ahead of MARA
NVYY14.1 pts behind NVDA
14.1 pts behind NVDANVYY over 1 year: paid 47.3%, price −56.9%, total −13.1%, NVDA +1.0%, −14.1 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.NVDA+1.0%NVYY−13.1%14.1 pts behind NVDATotal return, distributions reinvested14.1 pts behind NVDANVYY over 1 year: paid 47.3%, price −56.9%, total −13.1%, NVDA +1.0%, −14.1 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.NVDA+1.0%NVYY−13.1%14.1 pts behind NVDA
CRSH13.1 pts ahead of short TSLA
13.1 pts ahead of short TSLACRSH over 1 year: paid 46.7%, price −38.8%, total +7.7%, short TSLA −5.4%, +13.1 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.short TSLA−5.4%CRSH+7.7%46.7% as cash13.1 pts ahead of short TSLATotal return, distributions reinvested13.1 pts ahead of short TSLACRSH over 1 year: paid 46.7%, price −38.8%, total +7.7%, short TSLA −5.4%, +13.1 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.short TSLA−5.4%CRSH+7.7%13.1 pts ahead of short TSLA
ULTY4.4 pts ahead of its own holdings
4.4 pts ahead of its own holdingsULTY over 1 year: paid 46.0%, price −55.5%, total −12.4%, its own holdings −16.8%, +4.4 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.its own holdings−16.8%ULTY−12.4%Total return, distributions reinvested4.4 pts ahead of its own holdingsULTY over 1 year: paid 46.0%, price −55.5%, total −12.4%, its own holdings −16.8%, +4.4 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.its own holdings−16.8%ULTY−12.4%
BBYY8.3 pts ahead of BABA
8.3 pts ahead of BABABBYY over 1 year: paid 45.9%, price −64.1%, total −27.0%, BABA −35.3%, +8.3 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.BABA−35.3%BBYY−27.0%8.3 pts ahead of BABATotal return, distributions reinvested8.3 pts ahead of BABABBYY over 1 year: paid 45.9%, price −64.1%, total −27.0%, BABA −35.3%, +8.3 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.BABA−35.3%BBYY−27.0%
SLTYNot measured
Not measuredSLTY over 1 year: paid 45.6%, price −52.9%, total −10.1%, not measured against a benchmark. Data to Nov 4, 2026.SLTY−10.1%Total return, distributions reinvestedNot measuredSLTY over 1 year: paid 45.6%, price −52.9%, total −10.1%, not measured against a benchmark. Data to Nov 4, 2026.SLTY−10.1%
COYY4.2 pts behind COIN
4.2 pts behind COINCOYY over 1 year: paid 44.7%, price −83.8%, total −54.9%, COIN −50.7%, −4.2 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.COIN−50.7%COYY−54.9%4.2 pts behind COINTotal return, distributions reinvested4.2 pts behind COINCOYY over 1 year: paid 44.7%, price −83.8%, total −54.9%, COIN −50.7%, −4.2 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.COIN−50.7%COYY−54.9%4.2 pts behind COIN
HOYY13.5 pts behind HOOD
13.5 pts behind HOODHOYY over 1 year: paid 44.3%, price −81.7%, total −49.6%, HOOD −36.1%, −13.5 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.HOOD−36.1%HOYY−49.6%13.5 pts behind HOODTotal return, distributions reinvested13.5 pts behind HOODHOYY over 1 year: paid 44.3%, price −81.7%, total −49.6%, HOOD −36.1%, −13.5 pts. Data to Nov 4, 2026.HOOD−36.1%HOYY−49.6%

Selling an option is selling away the upside above a level in exchange for a premium today. In a flat or gently falling market that trade pays well. In a strong rally it caps you out. The fund then holds an asset that rose less than the one it is written on, while the cash keeps arriving.

So a big payout rate cannot be read on its own. A fund paying 40% a year whose price fell 35% has handed a holder back their own money and called it income. Total return counts the cash and the price together, and says what happened.

Part of a distribution can also be return of capital: the fund giving back principal, not paying out earnings. ETFIQ reads that from each fund's own 19a-1 notice where the issuer files one, and prints it beside the payout.

On ETFIQ today

Answered from ETFIQ data as of Nov 4, 2026.

Points (pts) are percentage points.

TickerFundIssuerCash paid 1YPrice change 1YTotal return 1YAhead or behind
MRNYYieldMax MRNA Option Income Strategy ETFYieldMax125.5%+208.2%+625.8%−362.1 pts
WNTRYieldMax MSTR Short Option Income Strategy ETFYieldMax72.4%−54.8%+2.3%+13.9 pts
AMDWRoundhill AMD WeeklyPay ETFRoundhill69.7%+7.2%+102.0%+6.5 pts
FIATYieldMax Short COIN Option Income Strategy ETFYieldMax69.2%−34.4%+40.5%+20.1 pts
ARMWRoundhill ARM WeeklyPay ETFRoundhill68.7%−45.9%+9.3%−10.0 pts
AMDYYieldMax AMD Option Income Strategy ETFYieldMax66.3%−18.1%+68.0%−27.5 pts
CVNYYieldMax CVNA Option Income Strategy ETFYieldMax58.6%−37.6%+27.6%+2.4 pts
AMYYGraniteShares YieldBOOST AMD ETFGraniteShares57.5%−53.2%+9.5%−86.0 pts
IOYYGraniteShares YieldBOOST IONQ ETFGraniteShares55.5%−79.6%−39.8%+4.9 pts
GDXWRoundhill Gold Miners WeeklyPay ETFRoundhill53.9%−27.7%+20.3%−4.5 pts
USOYDefiance Oil Enhanced Options Income ETFDefiance51.6%−4.8%+56.0%−46.2 pts
SMYYGraniteShares YieldBOOST SMCI ETFGraniteShares50.5%−76.0%−30.7%+6.9 pts
RDYYYieldMax RDDT Option Income Strategy ETFYieldMax49.5%−74.5%−44.4%+1.3 pts
TSYYGraniteShares YieldBOOST TSLA ETFGraniteShares49.1%−68.0%−24.7%−11.4 pts
CHPYYieldMax Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETFYieldMax48.9%−6.0%+44.3%+29.5 pts
GDXYYieldMax Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETFYieldMax48.8%−37.3%+7.1%−17.7 pts
CRCOYieldMax CRCL Option Income Strategy ETFYieldMax47.6%−69.7%−26.4%+5.2 pts
MAAYGraniteShares YieldBOOST MARA ETFGraniteShares47.6%−84.4%−51.7%+7.0 pts
NVYYGraniteShares YieldBOOST NVDA ETFGraniteShares47.3%−56.9%−13.1%−14.1 pts
CRSHYieldMax Short TSLA Option Income Strategy ETFYieldMax46.7%−38.8%+7.7%+13.1 pts
ULTYYieldMax Ultra Option Income Strategy ETFYieldMax46.0%−55.5%−12.4%+4.4 pts
BBYYGraniteShares YieldBOOST BABA ETFGraniteShares45.9%−64.1%−27.0%+8.3 pts
SLTYYieldMax Ultra Short Option Income Strategy ETFYieldMax45.6%−52.9%−10.1%not available
COYYGraniteShares YieldBOOST COIN ETFGraniteShares44.7%−83.8%−54.9%−4.2 pts
HOYYGraniteShares YieldBOOST HOOD ETFGraniteShares44.3%−81.7%−49.6%−13.5 pts
Where these numbers came from
Rule 19a-1 distribution notices and prospectus filings on SEC EDGAR ↗SEC EDGAR, full-text search of fund filings ↗SEC Form N-PORT, what a fund filed it holds ↗Rule 19a-1, what a distribution notice must say ↗

Links are sources, not endorsements.

ETFIQ is an independent publisher and makes no recommendations. Standards and sources

Cite this pageCitation, APA and Markdown

ETFIQ, What is an option income ETF?, data as of Nov 4, 2026. https://etfiq.com/questions/what-is-an-option-income-etf

Open data →

Free to use with attribution for ETFIQ’s data. Not investment advice.