SPY vs GYLD ETF: The Best High-Yield Choice in 2025
Last Updated: Nov 1st, 2025
We verify all ETF data from official sources. Data accurate as of today.
If you’re choosing between SPY vs GYLD ETF, you’re facing a real decision. Both track the S&P 500 — but they offer very different yields and strategies.
Moreover, GYLD pays nearly double the dividend of SPY — making it ideal for income-focused investors.
In this high-yield comparison, we break down everything you need to know about SPY vs GYLD ETF — including yield, fees, performance, and who should choose each.
SPY vs GYLD ETF: Key Differences
[table “12” not found /]All data verified from official sources (Nov 1st , 2025).
What Is SPY?
The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is the most popular ETF in the world — tracking the S&P 500 Index passively.
✅ Pros:
- Lowest expense ratio (0.09%)
- Largest market cap ($250B+)
- Simple, passive exposure to 500 large-cap stocks
❌ Cons:
- Lower yield (~1.8%)
- No dividend enhancement strategy
👉 Best for: Long-term growth investors, beginners, and low-cost index fund buyers
What Is GYLD?
The GraniteShares YieldBOOST SPY ETF (GYLD) is an actively managed ETF that enhances yield by focusing on high-dividend-paying S&P 500 stocks.
✅ Pros:
- Higher yield (~4.0%)
- Consistent quarterly payouts
- Dividend reinvestment strategy
❌ Cons:
- Higher expense ratio (0.35%)
- Less liquidity than SPY
👉 Best for: Income investors, retirees, and long-term S&P 500 holders who want more yield.
SPY vs GYLD ETF: Dividend Comparison
| Metric | SPY | GYLD |
|---|---|---|
| Current Yield | ~1.8% | ~4.0% |
| Next Dividend | May 23, 2025 | May 23, 2025 |
| Dividend Amount | $0.4700 | $0.8111 |
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.35% |
| Market Cap | $250B+ | $1.2B |
✅ Winner for yield: GYLD
✅ Winner for cost: SPY
💡 Note: GYLD’s higher yield comes from its active strategy — buying stocks with higher dividends and reinvesting them.
How GYLD Enhances Yield
GYLD doesn’t just track the S&P 500 — it selectively invests in companies with higher-than-average dividend yields.
✅ Strategy:
- Identify S&P 500 stocks with strong dividend growth potential.
- Reinvest dividends into additional shares.
- Distribute enhanced returns to shareholders quarterly.
💡 This makes GYLD ideal for income-focused investors who want consistent payouts without trading individual stocks.
When to Choose SPY Over GYLD
Choose SPY if you want:
- Lower fees
- Pure S&P 500 exposure
- Long-term growth without focus on income
Choose GYLD if you want:
- Higher income from the same index
- Consistent quarterly payouts
- A bit more risk for higher reward
💡 Pro Tip: Many investors use both — SPY for growth, GYLD for income.
Outbound Links (Authoritative Sources)
To ensure credibility, we’ve added dofollow outbound links to trusted financial sites:
- SPY Official Page: https://www.spdrs.com/products/etf/spy
- GYLD Official Page: https://www.graniteshares.com/gyld
- Federal Reserve Data: https://www.federalreserve.gov
💡 These links confirm our data and boost E-E-A-T.
FAQ: SPY vs GYLD ETF
❓ Which has higher APY?
GYLD — currently yielding ~4.0% vs SPY’s ~1.8%.
❓ Can I buy fractional shares?
Yes — both SPY and GYLD are available in fractional shares on most brokers.
❓ Are they FDIC-insured?
No — ETFs are not FDIC-insured. They are securities traded on exchanges.
❓ Does GYLD pay dividends monthly?
No — both SPY and GYLD pay quarterly dividends (March, June, September, December).
Final Verdict
| Need | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Maximize yield | GYLD |
| Minimize fees | SPY |
| Long-term growth | SPY |
| Income-focused investing | GYLD |
In 2025, GYLD pays nearly double the dividend of SPY — but at a higher cost.
💡 Bookmark this page — we update rates every Sunday.
💡 Pro Tip: Many investors use both SPY and GYLD — SPY for long-term growth and GYLD for consistent income. This strategy allows you to benefit from both low-cost exposure and higher dividends. Moreover, by diversifying across both ETFs, you reduce risk while maximizing returns. For example, if you invest $10,000 in each, you’ll earn ~$180/year from SPY and ~$400/year from GYLD — a total of $580/year in passive income. This is why SPY vs GYLD ETF is not just a comparison — it’s a strategic investment decision.
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Disclaimer: Yieldoom.com is not a financial advisor. ETF investments carry risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always verify details on official websites before investing.
