QYLD vs SDY: ETF Comparison
Compare QYLD (Global X Nasdaq 100 Covered Call ETF) and SDY (SPDR S&P Dividend ETF) side by side by average annual total return since inception — one fair number covering price and dividends.
Updated Sep 15, 2026
*For entertainment purposes ONLY! NOT financial advice! Data may be inaccurate.*
QYLD vs SDY: The Verdict
On average annual total return since inception, SDY is virtually tied with QYLD — +8.9% vs +8.8%. With a gap this small, the deciding factors are more likely to be yield, payout schedule, and how each strategy fits your goals than raw performance.
Keep the track records in mind: SDY has been trading for 20.9 years, while QYLD has only 12.8 years of history. A shorter track record means the younger fund's average has been shaped by fewer market environments — one strong or weak stretch moves the needle more.
Income investors will notice the yield gap: QYLD currently yields 12.4% vs SDY's 2.6%. Higher yield often comes with trade-offs in price appreciation, which is exactly why total return is the fairer scoreboard.
QYLD vs SDY Side-by-Side Data
| Symbol | Name | Provider | Inception | Age | Total Return | Avg. Annual Return | Yield | Expense Ratio | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QYLD | Global X Nasdaq 100 Covered Call ETF | Global X | 12/12/2013 | 12.8y | +194.0% | +8.8% | 12.4% | 0.60% | B |
| SDY | SPDR S&P Dividend ETF | State Street | 11/8/2005 | 20.9y | +492.0% | +8.9% | 2.6% | 0.35% | A |
QYLD vs SDY — Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, QYLD or SDY?
By average annual total return since inception, SDY is virtually tied with QYLD (+8.9% vs +8.8% per year). "Better" depends on your goals — yield, payout frequency, and strategy differ between the two funds.
What is the difference between QYLD and SDY?
QYLD (Global X Nasdaq 100 Covered Call ETF) is offered by Global X and currently yields 12.4%. SDY (SPDR S&P Dividend ETF) is offered by State Street and yields 2.6%. Their average annual total returns since inception are +8.8% and +8.9% respectively.
Does SDY pay a higher dividend than QYLD?
SDY currently yields 2.6% and QYLD yields 12.4%. Remember that yield alone doesn't capture performance — total return (price + dividends) is the fairer comparison.