FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF

KNG

Market cap $3.52B

Cooling November inflation revives rate-cut bets. Investors eye TLT, GLD, SPYG and high-income ETFs like VYM, SDIV, KNG and DIV.

FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG) is downgraded to hold due to persistent underperformance versus dynamic option-writing peers. KNG's ATM option strategy caps upside, limiting participation in bull markets and resulting in a 1.13% total return loss over the past year. The fund's high 8.7% yield is attractive, but monthly payouts are variable and lack consistent growth despite tax-efficient return of capital distributions.

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.

FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF has underperformed, with negative price returns and lagging total returns versus the S&P 500. KNG's portfolio is heavily weighted in defensive, industrial, and mid-cap stocks, which have struggled amid tech-driven market rallies and higher interest rates. The ETF's high expense ratio, poor price performance, and limited tech exposure contribute to its weak quant ratings.

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: August 21, 2025 Record Date: August 21, 2025 Payable Date: August 29, 2025 Ticker Exchange Fund Name Frequency Ordinary Income Per Share Amount   ACTIVELY MANAGED EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS   First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III FCAL Nasdaq F.

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: July 22, 2025 Record Date: July 22, 2025 Payable Date: July 31, 2025 Ticker   Exchange   Fund Name   Frequency   Ordinary Income Per Share Amount     ACTIVELY MANAGED EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS     First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III   FCAL.

Dividend Aristocrats are attractive for defensive investing, especially in a potential recession scenario. This ETF combines Dividend Aristocrats with a covered call strategy. This sounds appealing but has not produced alpha to-date.

KNG offers exposure to S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, providing a portfolio of steady, reliable, and defensive companies for income-focused investors. The ETF enhances yield through a covered call options strategy, boosting the dividend yield to 9.2% while capping some capital gains. Compared to NOBL, KNG sacrifices a small portion of total return for much higher income, making it ideal for those prioritizing yield.

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.

I have been a strong advocate for the JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF, emphasizing its potential benefits for retail investors. Another ETF that promises a similar strategy and has delivered great results is now vying for JEPI's spot in my portfolio. The FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF appears as a potentially safer alternative, with tax efficiencies, conservative holdings, and a different options strategy.