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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.
FT Vest Rising Dividend Achievers Target Income ETF (RDVI) offers a differentiated approach, combining a rising dividend-focused index with a dynamic S&P 500 call-writing overlay. RDVI targets an 8% annual distribution yield, currently yielding 8.31% monthly, and has delivered consistent, growing payouts supported by its strategy. RDVI has outperformed other call-writing funds and, at times, even SPY, despite a higher expense ratio, making it compelling for income-focused investors.
First Trust FT Vest Rising Dividend Achievers Target Income ETF (RDVI) targets an 8% yield above the S&P 500, blending dividend growth equities with partial covered calls. RDVI's unique strategy selects Nasdaq dividend growers and writes S&P 500 index calls, aiming for steady income and some capital appreciation. RDVI has delivered strong, rising monthly distributions and robust total returns since inception, but lacks a track record through a significant market correction.
WHEATON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Trust Advisors L.P. ("FTA") announces the declaration of the monthly distributions for certain exchange-traded funds advised by FTA. The following dates apply to today's distribution declarations: Expected Ex-Dividend Date: April 21, 2026 Record Date: April 21, 2026 Payable Date: April 30, 2026 Ticker Exchange Fund Name Frequency Ordinary Income Per Share Amount ACTIVELY MANAGED EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III FCAL Nasdaq Firs.
SEC filings for RDVI aren't indexed yet (common for recently launched funds). Browse the issuer's filings on SEC EDGAR directly.