XYLD vs. MSTY

Last updated Jun 20, 2026

XYLD (Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF) and MSTY (YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF) are both Derivative Income funds. XYLD is passively managed, while MSTY is actively managed. Over the past year, XYLD returned 17.23% vs -64.25% for MSTY. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XYLD charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for MSTY.

Performance

XYLD vs. MSTY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) and YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XYLD achieves a 5.52% return, which is significantly higher than MSTY's -22.84% return.

XYLD

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: 1.69%
• YTD: 5.52%
• 6M: 5.95%
• 1Y: 17.23%
• 3Y*: 11.48%
• 5Y*: 7.73%
• 10Y*: 8.33%

MSTY

• 1D: -3.45%
• 1M: -29.31%
• YTD: -22.84%
• 6M: -27.46%
• 1Y: -64.25%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

XYLD vs. MSTY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
XYLD Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF	5.52%	8.02%	16.89%
MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	-22.84%	-42.71%	212.16%

Correlation

The correlation between XYLD and MSTY is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 22, 2024	0.40

Return for Risk

XYLD vs. MSTY — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

XYLD

XYLD Risk / Return Rank: 83
XYLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
XYLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
XYLD Omega Ratio Rank: 92
XYLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
XYLD Martin Ratio Rank: 86

MSTY

MSTY Risk / Return Rank: 1
MSTY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
MSTY Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
MSTY Omega Ratio Rank: 1
MSTY Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
MSTY Martin Ratio Rank: 2

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

XYLD vs. MSTY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) and YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	XYLD	MSTY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.54	-1.04	+3.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.62	-1.83	+5.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.59	0.80	+0.79
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.27	-0.90	+4.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.16	-1.31	+18.48

XYLD vs. MSTY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XYLD Sharpe Ratio is 2.54, which is higher than the MSTY Sharpe Ratio of -1.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XYLD and MSTY, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

XYLD vs. MSTY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XYLD drawdown since its inception was -33.46%, smaller than the maximum MSTY drawdown of -71.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XYLD and MSTY.

Drawdown Indicators

	XYLD	MSTY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.46%	-71.79%	+38.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.29%	-71.79%	+66.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.53%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.66%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.46%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-69.67%	+69.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.71%	-26.82%	+23.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.01%	48.95%	-47.94%

Volatility

XYLD vs. MSTY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) is 2.21%, while YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY) has a volatility of 19.32%. This indicates that XYLD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MSTY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XYLD	MSTY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.21%	19.32%	-17.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.76%	49.58%	-43.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.80%	61.87%	-55.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.26%	71.86%	-60.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.22%	71.86%	-57.64%

XYLD vs. MSTY - Expense Ratio Comparison

XYLD has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than MSTY's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

XYLD vs. MSTY - Dividend Comparison

XYLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.46%, less than MSTY's 267.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	267.66%	294.61%	104.56%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XYLD Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF	10.46%	10.51%	11.54%	10.51%	13.43%	9.07%	7.93%	5.76%	7.12%	5.18%	3.23%	4.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XYLD and MSTY in my portfolio?

XYLD and MSTY have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XYLD or MSTY?

MSTY has higher volatility (19.32%) compared to XYLD (2.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XYLD dropped -33.46% vs MSTY's -71.79%.

Which ETF is better, XYLD or MSTY?

On 1-year performance, XYLD leads with 17.23% vs -64.25% for MSTY. On fees, XYLD is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, XYLD has been the lower-risk option at 2.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XYLD or MSTY?

Over the 1-year period, XYLD has performed better with a 17.23% return vs -64.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XYLD or MSTY?

XYLD is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for MSTY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XYLD or MSTY?

MSTY has the higher dividend yield at 267.66%, compared with 10.46% for XYLD.

What is the main difference between XYLD and MSTY?

They also come from different issuers: Global X and YieldMax. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for XYLD and 0.99% for MSTY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XYLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.54 vs -1.04), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.