Defiance Nasdaq 100 Enhanced Options Income ETF

QQQY

Market cap $196M

QDTE has consistently outperformed QQQ and QQQI in recent months, capturing both upside moves and limiting drawdowns, making it a rare source of alpha among option income ETFs. QQQY's shift from put-selling to call-spread strategies aims to enhance upside capture, but delays and implementation uncertainties keep it as a Hold, despite improved recent performance. Both ETFs offer high-income yields (~30%), with daily 0DTE option activity driving returns, though high yields slightly erode NAV over time.

November's top monthly pay (MoPay) dividend stocks offer high yields, with most generating annual dividends from a $1,000 investment exceeding their share price. Analyst estimates suggest the top ten MoPay equities could deliver 21.58% to 86.54% total returns by November 2026, though risks and volatility remain elevated. Twenty MoPay stocks are identified as "safer" picks, meeting the criteria of positive free cash flow yields and strong dividend coverage, serving as starting points for further research.

October's top monthly dividend stocks offer high yields, with many providing annual dividends from $1,000 invested exceeding share prices, but carry volatility risks. Banco Macro, ARMOUR Residential, and Horizon Technology Finance lead projected gains, with average net gain estimates of 39.98% on $1,000 invested. Analyst estimates suggest the five lowest-priced MoPay stocks may outperform the top ten overall, highlighting contrarian opportunities for income-focused investors.

Imagine stocks and funds paying you dividends monthly! Your angst awaiting dividend payout is reduced 300%, or more, compared to quarterly, semi-annual, or (ugh) annual doles! September U.S. exchange-traded-monthly-paid (MoPay) dividends, upsides, and net-gains include: 1. Stocks-by-yield (77); 2. Stocks-by price-upside (30); 3. Closed-End-Investments, Exchange-Traded-Funds & Notes (CEICs/ETFs/ETNs) by-yield >10% (80); 4. ‘Safer' Ideal-Dividend-Equities by Cash Flow Margins (31). Items: 1. Top MoPay stock gains; 2. Overall best MoPay gainers; 3. Funds vs. Equities; 4. Fund risks/rewards. 5. Safer Equity Rankings All per prices as of 8/29/25.

QQQY's original put-write 0DTE strategy led to severe NAV erosion, underperformance, and a reverse split within its first year. The fund's high advertised yield (up to 39%) is unsustainable, largely funded by return of capital, eroding investor principal. QQQY is shifting to a daily call spread strategy similar to QDTE, aiming for a 30% yield and better index participation.

QQQY will rebrand itself and change strategy around May 27, 2025. The new strategy involves maintaining long exposure to the Nasdaq 100 and writing daily call spreads, aiming for a 30% yield. This change aims to capture more upside potential, but may result in higher NAV erosion and increased volatility.

Although the broader market is making efforts to rebound whenever possible, Goldman Sachs strategists believe such occasional rebounds are fleeting.

QQQY and QDTE both sell daily options, expiring "0DTE" or on the same day they are sold. The difference comes in how the funds manage their daily and overnight exposures, in which they differ greatly. Both funds have experienced price losses since their inceptions, indicating some NAV erosion, which is a red flag.

I maintain my sell rating on QQQY due to its continued price decline and inability to achieve an attractive total return. QQQY's high dividend yield of 39% is offset by a significant capital erosion. The fund's at-the-money option strategy and lack of underlying equities contribute to its weak total return compared to alternative option ETFs.

QQQY's distribution rate includes a portion of capital returned to investors, which can influence how its distribution yield is perceived. The fund's short-put strategy limits upside potential, making it less effective in capturing gains from Nasdaq's growth. The Nasdaq's 37% return outpaced QQQY's 20% in the past year, primarily due to QQQY's limited upside potential and its allocation to low-interest government bonds.