A high distribution rate doesn't automatically mean a high return. One of the biggest mistakes investors make is confusing the two. The most important question isn't, "How much income did I receive?" It's, "What is the full picture?" Total return, NAV performance, distribution composition, tax treatment, risk, and income all matter. At TappAlpha, we believe investors deserve clear, apples-to-apples comparisons so they can look beyond the headline number and focus on the metrics that matter most to their goals. #Investing# #ETF# #InvestorEducation# #FinancialEducation# #TotalReturn# Disclosure This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a solicitation to invest. The views expressed reflect TappAlpha’s perspective as of the date of publication and may change without notice. Always consult a financial professional before making investment decisions.

The stock market’s average total return is 10% per year. But don’t mistake that for consistency. Over 98 years, returns were within 2% of that number just 4 times. Lesson? Compounding comes in lumpy, unpredictable bursts. Video:

Goldman is now packaging synthetic total-return swaps on hyperscaler credit because CDS on "cash-rich" Big Tech is widening — Meta 75–92bps, NVIDIA 54–82bps, with NVIDIA CDS at points trading above its own cash bonds

Two income ETFs beat their index in the third quarter. Total return for the 3 months ended September 30, 2026 (price change plus distributions), from the NEOS performance tables: 🥇 NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF $SPYI 3.22% versus the S&P 500 Index 2.30% 🟢 🥈 NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF $QQQI 1.35% versus the Nasdaq-100 Index 0.58% 🟢 During the quarter, $SPYI paid $1.6061 per share and $QQQI paid $1.9203 per share in monthly distributions. Fund figures are market price total returns. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Distribution rate is not total return.

Last 30 years... US National Debt: +665% S&P 500 Total Return: +1,820% Government borrowing isn’t necessarily bad for corporations in the short run. More borrowing → more spending → higher revenues & profits. The long-term consequences are another story. Video:

Price return. Total return. Distribution rate. Three different numbers. One real example: NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF $SPYI, 1 year ended September 30, 2026: 🟢 Price return: +1.66% ($52.30 to $53.17 per share) 🟢 Distributions paid: $6.3403 per share across 12 monthly payments 🟢 Total return: +14.65% (price change plus distributions reinvested) 🟢 Distribution rate: 12.15% (latest monthly distribution times 12, divided by net asset value, as of August 31, 2026) Price return ignores the cash. Total return counts it. Distribution rate is a snapshot of the latest payment, not a return. Distribution rate is not total return.