
RDVI aims to provide income at an annual rate of 8%, before fees and expenses, over the annual dividend yield of the S&P 500 Index. The sources for income stem from dividends from individual equity positions and premiums from selling naked call options. Selecting the portfolio involves screening a broad market index for those that have a history of raising their dividends, while exhibiting characteristics to continue to do so. Each week, RDVI attempts to bridge the difference between the dividend income of its equity portfolio and its target distribution by selling at-the-money, naked call…
Is RDVI's expense ratio expensive, average, or a steal for its category?
Pro reveals the verdict on a 5-tier spectrum calibrated against ICI 2025 industry averages, with strategy-aware bands so the comparison is meaningful.

Long-duration Treasuries finally offer an enticing yield, but several less obvious risks could undermine both the income and the hedge. Covered call ETFs share more with fixed income than most investors realize, and today's environment is paying them more for that role. The biggest, most popular covered call funds may fail exactly when defense is needed most.

Investor sentiment and credit markets suggest defensive positioning is at levels not seen in years. Popular safe-haven assets come with a hidden cost that could hurt investors if the bearish signals prove wrong. 2 covered call ETFs that I discuss in this article offer a compelling middle ground between high income and downside resilience.

Equity markets remain in a prolonged, robust bull run, demanding high selectivity for new opportunities. Infra and utility sectors are heavily dependent on AI, while energy and midstream appear overinflated due to war-related factors. High-duration assets are considered excessively risky in the current environment, favoring cash preservation instruments like high-quality CLOs and T-bills.

FT Vest Rising Dividend Achievers Target Income ETF maintains a buy rating, offering an 8.6% yield and consistent monthly distributions. RDVI outperformed SPY over the past year, benefiting from higher volatility and a portfolio focused on dividend growers in financials, technology, and industrials. The fund's option strategy writes weekly SPX calls, enabling 73.5% upside participation while supporting stable payouts and potential outperformance through 2026.

Externally managed BDCs have to meet a high bar to qualify for a durable income portfolio. Their fees and sub-optimal incentives provide a structural headwind for long-term compounding. In my portfolio, I hold 2 externally managed BDCs that have passed the test.