Covered Call ETFs Explained: Why High Distributions Often Mean Lower Total Returns
Why Covered Call ETFs Often Underperform in Strong Bull Markets When I first encountered covered call ETFs such as NVDY, TSLY, and PLTY, their nearly 50% annualized distribution yields were difficult to ignore. At the time, I viewed them as an efficient income-generating tool, particularly attractive during periods of market uncertainty. However, after allocating real capital and experiencing a strong bull market firsthand, my perception began to change. Watching the underlying stocks rise sharply while my ETF positions barely moved was a psychologically uncomfortable experience. That moment forced me to look beyond headline yields and study the actual structure behind these products. This article is written from that perspective—not as a theoretical overview, but as an analysis informed by direct investment experience. The Core Structure of Covered Call ETFs Covered call ETFs generate income by holding an underlying asset (or a synthetic equivalent) while continuously selli...