YieldMax’s Berkshire Hathaway Option Income ETF Returns -0.77% Since Launch, Yield Trails 4.15% Treasury
YieldMax BRK.B Option Income Strategy ETF returned -0.77% since its June 2025 launch with a 2.78% dividend yield, underperforming Berkshire Hathaway’s -0.12% return and trailing the 4.15% 10-year Treasury yield. Elevated volatility (VIX at 25.50, up 44% last month) could boost premiums but caps upside.
1. Fund Structure and Strategy
The ETF replicates exposure to Berkshire Hathaway through a synthetic covered call structure, selling BRK.B call options to generate monthly premium income while capping upside above strike prices. It charges a 0.01% net expense ratio and distributes premiums monthly, relying entirely on option income rather than corporate dividends or bond coupons.
2. Performance Since Inception
Since its June 2025 launch, the ETF has returned -0.77%, trailing Berkshire Hathaway’s -0.12% return over the same period. The options overlay has yet to add net value, reflecting limited price swings in underlying shares and muted total returns in this initial nine-month window.
3. Yield Gap and Volatility Impact
The fund’s 2.78% yield lags the 4.15% 10-year U.S. Treasury rate, raising questions about compensating investors for capped upside and strategy complexity. Elevated volatility (VIX at 25.50, up 44% over the past month) inflates option premiums and could boost near-term distributions if sustained.
4. Liquidity and Upside Tradeoffs
With $21 million in net assets, the ETF remains small and thinly traded, potentially widening bid-ask spreads and affecting execution for larger orders. Additionally, sharp rallies in Berkshire Hathaway would leave ETF holders without participation above sold strike prices, limiting returns during strong market moves.