NEOS Nasdaq 100 High Income ETF

QQQI

Market cap $8.21B

The combination of low volatility and high valuation risks make QQQI and SPYI timely as a hedge. Current realized and implied volatilities for both SPY and QQQ are unusually low, signaling complacency and underestimating downside risks. Both funds are also currently yielding above their historical averages.

Midstream MLPs offer high single-digit yields with strong defensive characteristics, making them attractive for retirement income portfolios. The yield-to-risk ratio in MLPs is compelling, even compared to my other favorite yield plays such as BDCs, covered call, and leveraged CEFs. In the article I elaborate on two highest-yielding MLPs, which are de-risked enough to meet the durable income criteria.

Top ten ReFa/Ro Dogs are projected to deliver 25.77%–52.74% net gains by December 2026, with an average net gain of 34.55% and risk 62% below the market. Nine of the top ten ReFa/Ro Dogs have annual dividends from $1,000 invested exceeding their share price, meeting the 'ideal' dividend dogcatcher criteria. Analyst targets indicate the five lowest-priced, highest-yield ReFa/Ro Dogs could deliver 3.71% more gain than the top ten as a group.

Recent volatility in AI-focused equities like Nvidia, CrowdStrike, and Palantir signals heightened geopolitical risks and investor de-risking. Capital is rotating from mega-cap AI stocks into small-caps, value, high-quality dividends, REITs, BDCs, and energy sectors. I see AI's long-term secular trend as compelling, but current valuations in major indices make direct exposure uncomfortable.

Covered call ETFs play an increasingly more important role for income investors and their cash flows. These products come with several risks, but most of them should be acceptable for those who seek sustainable income. Yet, the key risk is an L-shaped sell-off, which might lead to a serious impairment of both NAV and current income.

Income investors have flocked to the JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (NYSEARCA:JEPI ) for years, and it is easy to see why.

For investors focused on building long-term, compound returns, the strategy has shifted in recent years. Whilst buying a high-quality S&P 500 ETF still remains a Buffett-approved approach, several new options have recently become available for compound-focused investors.

It's historically rare to see a three-year winning streak of 20% or more for the S&P 500, but the index certainly came close last year.

Dividend investing is increasingly vital amid higher rates and inflation, offering passive income and wealth compounding for retirement. Anchoring a portfolio with quality dividend ETFs like SCHD, FDVV, or CGDV can provide reliable income and potential outperformance. Combining high dividend growers (e.g., V, MA, WM) with stable high-yielders (e.g., VZ, O, ADC, STWD) balances growth and income.

A $600,000 portfolio split equally among GPIX, GPIQ, SPYI, and QQQI can generate ~$5,387 in monthly income with ~10.7% yield. Covered call ETFs provide direct equity exposure to S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 constituents, offering diversification, capital appreciation, and tax-efficient monthly distributions. Dynamic option strategies in these ETFs allow for market-responsive income generation, with high return-of-capital percentages enhancing tax deferral benefits.