INCOME ETF CHEAT SHEET: 3 YIELD NUMBERS THAT ARE NOT THE SAME
One fund just lists 3 different yield figures on the same page. They are not interchangeable.
Here is what each one measures on $XYLD Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (October 26, 2026):
1. Distribution rate: 8.95%. Annualizes the latest distribution. This is the number most income posts quote.
2. Trailing 12-month distribution: 10.75%. Adds up what the fund actually paid over the last year.
3. 30-Day SEC yield: 0.48%. Measures net investment income only. It leaves out most option premium income.
Same fund. Three answers. Read the label before you compare funds.
Distribution rate is not total return.