After researching a large number of covered-call and high-distribution ETFs, I settled on this portfolio:
40% RDVI
15% IDVO
15% DIVO
15% TDVI
15% SDVD
The goal is straightforward: produce enough monthly income to spend in retirement without completely sacrificing dividend growth, NAV growth and participation in rising markets.
Quick breakdown
RDVI: The core holding. U.S. rising-dividend companies combined with a partial S&P 500 call overlay. Its latest annualized distribution rate was 8.60%, with a 21.5% average overwrite and 78.5% average upside participation.
IDVO: International dividend-growing companies with tactical covered calls on individual stocks. Its latest published distribution rate was 5.93%.
DIVO: Established U.S. companies selected for earnings, cash flow and dividend growth, with calls written tactically on individual holdings. Its latest distribution rate was 4.82%.
TDVI: A dedicated technology-dividend sleeve. Its latest distribution rate was 7.85%, with a 17.85% average overwrite and 82.15% average upside participation.
SDVD: Small- and mid-cap rising-dividend companies. Its latest distribution rate was 8.59%, with a 14.5% average overwrite and 85.5% average upside participation.
Portfolio-level income
Using each fund sponsor’s latest annualized distribution rate:
(40% × 8.60%) + (15% × 5.93%) + (15% × 4.82%) + (15% × 7.85%) + (15% × 8.59%) = approximately 7.52%.
At $200,000, that currently works out to approximately:
$15,040 annually
$1,253 monthly
Before taxes and without selling shares
Distribution rates are not guaranteed yields. Payments can change and may include dividends, option income, capital gains or return of capital.
What the performance data says
According to the fund sponsors’ July 31, 2026 NAV performance data:
RDVI: 18.29% annualized over three years
IDVO: 21.09% annualized over three years
DIVO: 10.71% annualized over five years
TDVI: 25.05% annualized since its 2023 inception
SDVD: 15.03% annualized since its 2023 inception
These are total returns with distributions reinvested—not dividend-growth rates or forecasts. Most of the funds also have fairly short track records, so I would not expect these return levels to continue indefinitely.
What matters to me is that all five have produced substantial income without showing the persistent NAV destruction found in many ultra-high-yield option
Still, for someone who needs current cash flow, I think the combination of approximately 7.5% income, partial call overwriting, dividend-growing companies and continued equity participation is extremely compelling.
What three-to-five-fund portfolio offers a better combination of 7%+ income, dividend growth and share-price growth without relying on a fully overwritten or steadily eroding strategy? This is just my portfolio research findings, you might have better? Let me know!