XYLG vs FTHI: Which Covered Call ETF Is Better?

XYLG and FTHI are both covered call ETFs tracking the same benchmark, but with different approaches. XYLG offers ~5% yield with a focus on growth-oriented investor wanting modest income without sacrificing too much upside, while FTHI provides ~8% yield targeting investor seeking actively managed covered call strategy. Compare their scores, yields, and performance metrics to find the best fit for your portfolio.

Compare ETFs

Compare covered call ETFs with the same benchmark side by side

Step 1: Select Benchmark

Step 2: Select ETFs to Compare

XYLG

Global X S&P 500 Covered Call & Growth ETF

S&P 500Inception: Oct 5, 2020

6.3

Overall Score

FTHI

First Trust BuyWrite Income ETF

S&P 500Inception: Jan 6, 2014

4.9

Overall Score

CriteriaXYLGFTHI
Overall Score
6.3
4.9
Total Return (25%)
7.3
3.7
Downside Protection (25%)
4.8
5.2
Upside Participation (25%)
7.8
6.6
Consistency (15%)
5.0
4.8
Expense Ratio (5%)
5.0
1.9
Liquidity (5%)
6.3
5.3
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Compare Across All Time Windows

Since Inception

3 Years

Pro only

1 Year

Pro only

3 Months

Pro only

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Key Metrics

MetricXYLGFTHI
Expense Ratio0.600%0.850%
Inception DateOct 5, 2020Jan 6, 2014
IssuerGlobal XFirst Trust
Distribution FrequencyMonthlyMonthly
Maturity Rating4/5 stars5/5 stars

Verdicts

XYLG

The bridge between pure equity and covered call — useful for investors not ready to fully commit to income strategy

Investor Profile:

Growth-oriented investor wanting modest income without sacrificing too much upside

FTHI

Underrated fund with solid track record — the high expense ratio is the main drag

Investor Profile:

Investor seeking actively managed covered call strategy

Full scores for these funds

See where these rank against every SPY fund

Both funds are scored on total return, downside protection, upside participation, distribution consistency, cost and liquidity, against the same benchmark and the same window.

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