5 Gold Focused ETFs Offering High Income Returns with Up to 27% Distribution Yield

The article discusses 5 gold-focused ETFs that offer high distribution yields, with up to 27% yield. One of the ETFs, IAUI, has been added to the author's portfolio, offering potential investors a choice for a high-income investment in gold.

As of September 12, 2025, gold-focused ETFs offering high distribution yields have gained significant attention among investors seeking income-generating opportunities. This article provides a comparative analysis of five gold-focused ETFs, including the recently launched NEOS Gold High Income ETF (IAUI), which has been added to the author's portfolio.

NEOS Gold High Income ETF (IAUI)

Overview:
IAUI is a relatively new ETF with an inception date of June 5, 2025. It aims to generate high monthly income with the potential for appreciation based on exposure to gold ETPs. The fund employs a data-driven call option strategy on gold ETPs, including the SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU). IAUI's strategy involves writing options on GLD and synthetically holding GOLD through long GLD calls and short GLD puts. This strategy allows for participation in the upside while managing downside risks. IAUI has managed assets of $93.9 million, with an expense ratio of 0.78% and a monthly dividend yield of 2.61% 5 Gold Focused ETFs Providing Income With Up To ~27% Distribution Yield^[1].

The Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income ETF (GLDY)

Overview:
GLDY is an actively managed ETF that seeks income while maintaining indirect exposure to GLD. It employs an at-the-money or in-the-money put selling strategy to provide income and exposure to GLD's share price. GLDY writes put options at least once a week, generating income through these options. Unlike other funds, GLDY does not hold any exposure to GLD beyond its put writing strategy, instead holding cash and cash equivalents. GLDY has an expense ratio of 0.59% and a weekly dividend yield of 3.09% 5 Gold Focused ETFs Providing Income With Up To ~27% Distribution Yield^[1].

Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF (KGLD)

Overview:
KGLD aims to maximize total return by actively managing a portfolio with efficient exposure to gold while generating potentially tax-efficient income. The fund employs a long call, short put option strategy, similar to IAUI but with a focus on tax-efficiency. KGLD has an expense ratio of 1% and a monthly dividend yield of 2.39%. It is the newest entrant on the list, with an inception date of July 8, 2025, and total assets of $11.45 million 5 Gold Focused ETFs Providing Income With Up To ~27% Distribution Yield^[1].

FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD)

Overview:
IGLD seeks to deliver participation in the price returns of the SPDR Gold Trust while providing a consistent level of income. The fund invests substantially in U.S. Treasury Securities and in the shares of a wholly-owned subsidiary that holds exchange-traded options referencing GLD. IGLD is the oldest fund on the list, with an inception date of March 2, 2021, and total net assets of $294.365 million. It has an expense ratio of 0.85% and a monthly dividend yield of 2.46% 5 Gold Focused ETFs Providing Income With Up To ~27% Distribution Yield^[1].

USCF Gold Strategy Plus Income Fund (USG)

Overview:
USG seeks investment results that generally correspond to the performance of the price of gold, while generating dividend income through selling gold call options and collateral interest income. The fund maintains substantial economic exposure to the Gold Markets through gold warrants, gold futures contracts, and other derivatives. USG has an expense ratio of 0.45% and a quarterly dividend yield of 3.42%. It was launched on November 2, 2021, with total net assets of $16.117 million 5 Gold Focused ETFs Providing Income With Up To ~27% Distribution Yield^[1].

Conclusion

These gold-focused ETFs offer high distribution yields, with IAUI standing out as a recent addition to the author's portfolio due to its innovative strategy and strong performance. Each ETF has its unique approach to generating income, with varying levels of risk and potential returns. Investors should carefully consider their risk tolerance and investment objectives before selecting a gold-focused ETF.

References

5 Gold Focused ETFs Providing Income With Up To ~27% Distribution Yield^[1] https://seekingalpha.com/article/4827228-5-gold-focused-etfs-providing-income-27-percent-distribution-yield