Derivative income ETFs are becoming more popular among financial advisors seeking reliable income amid ongoing market volatility. A 2024 Cerulli Associates report found that 15.2% of advisors are already using these strategies, with another 7% planning to adopt them soon.
These ETFs, which generate income by selling options, have attracted over $55 billion in inflows across 2023 and 2024, with the strongest uptake seen in wirehouse channels. As inflation concerns and demand for consistent yield grow, product development is accelerating—6% of ETF issuers are actively building new funds and 13% are in planning.
Advisors are also increasingly interested in defined outcome ETFs, which offer preset downside protection, though adoption remains more limited for now.
Finsum: Overall, both categories reflect the shifting demand toward more predictable, income-focused solutions in today’s uncertain markets.