Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
RYLD vs SPHD
Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF versus Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
SPHD wins 4–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but RYLD can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
SPHD wins this comparison 4–1 across 6 dimensions. SPHD yields 4.31% — lower than RYLD's 7.80% — and carries a 6.8/10 dividend safety score (Solid) vs 5.4/10 for RYLD (Mixed). SPHD wins 4–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but RYLD can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
On yield alone, RYLD generates 7.80% vs 4.31% — a 3.49% difference that translates to $3,490 more per year on a $100,000 investment. On dividend safety, SPHD scores 6.8/10 (Solid) vs 5.4/10 (Mixed) for RYLD — investors prioritizing income reliability should weight that gap alongside the yield difference.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | RYLD | SPHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 7.80% | 4.31% | RYLD wins |
| Dividend safety | 5.4/10 | 6.8/10 | SPHD wins |
| Growth trend | — | — | Tie |
| Expense ratio | 60.00% | 30.00% | SPHD wins |
| Scale | $1.4B | $3.3B | SPHD wins |
| Tax efficiency | Ordinary income | Qualified-eligible | SPHD wins |
| Overall | 1 wins | 4 wins | SPHD wins |
Dimension by dimension
RYLD wins on yield (7.80% vs 4.31%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $349 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
RYLD's higher yield (7.80%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus SPHD's 4.31% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
SPHD wins on safety (6.8/10 vs 5.4/10)
Our score combines yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size. SPHD scores better on the weighted average of those factors.
SPHD (6.8/10) scores 1.4 points higher than RYLD (5.4/10). A higher safety score means lower historical indicators of dividend cut risk — payout ratio, yield zone, and trend all factor in.
Yield-trend comparison unavailable
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
SPHD is cheaper (30.00% vs 60.00%)
On a $10,000 position the lower expense ratio saves about $3000/year — small annually but compounds significantly over 20+ years.
On $10,000 invested, SPHD's lower expense ratio saves roughly $30/year in fees versus RYLD. Over 20 years that compounds to a meaningful drag — expense ratios are one of the few costs investors fully control.
SPHD is 2.4× larger by AUM
Larger funds tend to have tighter spreads, deeper liquidity, and lower closure risk.
SPHD is more tax-efficient in a taxable account
RYLD's distributions are typically taxed as ordinary income (covered call ETF, REIT, or mREIT) — versus qualified dividends from SPHD which get the lower long-term capital gains rate.
How we compare these
Every comparison on this page is computed from current public data, not written by hand. Yield comes from the most recent dividend distribution annualized over current price. Safety scores combine yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size — see our methodology for the exact formula. Tax-efficiency flags identify covered-call ETFs, REITs, and mREITs which distribute primarily as ordinary income.
This is educational, not investment advice.Scores reflect a snapshot of public data on the "as of" dates shown on each ticker's safety page. Verify on the issuer's investor relations page or your brokerage before making decisions.
Frequently asked
Which is better for income, RYLD or SPHD?
SPHD wins 4–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but RYLD can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
RYLD vs SPHD: which has a higher dividend yield?
RYLD yields 7.80% and SPHD yields 4.31%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $349 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is RYLD or SPHD a safer dividend in 2026?
RYLD scores 5.4/10 (Mixed) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. SPHD scores 6.8/10 (Solid). SPHD is the safer pick on our scoring model.
Which has better dividend growth, RYLD or SPHD?
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
RYLD vs SPHD: which is more tax-efficient?
RYLD's distributions are typically taxed as ordinary income (covered call ETF, REIT, or mREIT) — versus qualified dividends from SPHD which get the lower long-term capital gains rate.
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