Income ETF strategies have become a very popular part of the overall ETF ecosystem. The ETFs help add that current income for a degree of portfolio durability or to pay for different phases of life. In the race to lead that space, certain funds like income ETF GPIX have stood out from the pack. The fund has had a strong last twelve months, rising above $3 billion in AUM behind more than $2.5 billion in net inflows.

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GPIX, the Goldman Sachs S&P 500 Premium Income ETF, charges a 29 basis point (bps) fee for its approach to current income. The fund, which launched in 2023 and hits its three-year ETF milestone later this year, saw its AUM spike in 2025. That may have owed to growing concern about market volatility, which could speak to its continued appeal this year.

The income ETF looks to set itself apart from other sources of regular income by combining an income and capital appreciation approach. The strategy primarily invests in the S&P 500, adding a call strategy to generate consistent income. 

Income ETF GPIX and 2026

GPIX largely looks to retain the characteristics of the S&P 500, selling call options on between 25% and 75% of its underlying investments. It also uses FLEX options as needed to boost that income. It has produced an 8% 12 month trailing distribution rate as of January 31st with that approach. 

What outlook, then, might it have for the rest of 2026? The fund intriguingly avoids much of the fixed income uncertainty tied to the Fed and U.S. debt by providing equity-based income. Its options give the income while the equity exposure retains the S&P 500 upside. 

That can help it serve some degree of double duty within an overall portfolio – an intriguing opportunity for an ETF. Looking ahead, the fund could be worth considering for those at or near retirement or in any other phase of life that needs a bit more day to day cash.

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