WESTPORT, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NEOS Investments, an award-winning ETF issuer specializing in options-based income solutions, is excited to announce the launch of the NEOS Boosted High Income ETFs, which seek higher tax-efficient monthly income and enhanced market participation. The new Boosted High Income ETFs build on the foundation of NEOS' three largest ETFs: the NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF (SPYI), NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI), and NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (BTCI). ...

Core Insights - The NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (BTCI) has demonstrated a strong ability to capture upside rallies, which is a challenge for many income-focused investment plans [1] Group 1: Analyst Background - The analyst has over 20 years of experience in quantitative research, financial modeling, and risk management, focusing on equity valuation and market trends [1] - Previous experience includes a role as Vice President at Barclays, leading teams in model validation and stress testing, indicating a strong foundation in both fundamental and technical analysis [1] - The analyst collaborates with a research partner to provide high-quality, data-driven investment insights, emphasizing a blend of risk management and long-term value creation [1] Group 2: Investment Focus - The research emphasizes macroeconomic trends, corporate earnings, and financial statement analysis to identify actionable investment ideas [1]

Core Viewpoint - BlackRock is expanding its dominance in the spot bitcoin ETF market with the introduction of the iShares Bitcoin Premium Income ETF, which aims to provide investors with bitcoin exposure while mitigating volatility through an income-generating strategy [2][5]. Group 1: Product Overview - The iShares Bitcoin Premium Income ETF will primarily hold bitcoin and generate additional income by selling call options on IBIT shares and indices tracking spot bitcoin products [2]. - This new ETF is designed for investors who seek crypto exposure but are cautious about the volatility associated with direct bitcoin holdings [2]. Group 2: Market Context - BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) has nearly $70 billion in assets, significantly larger than its closest competitor, Fidelity's Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), which has around $18 billion [5]. - The premium income ETF is not expected to reach IBIT's size, but there is a recognized demand for such products among investors [5]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Existing bitcoin option-income ETFs include the NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (BTCI), the Bitcoin Covered Call Strategy ETF (YBTC), and the YieldMax Bitcoin Option Income Strategy ETF (YBIT), which launched in 2024 [3]. - BTCI is the largest among these, with over $1 billion in net assets, while YBTC and YBIT have approximately $211 million and $67 million in assets under management, respectively [7]. Group 4: Performance Insights - Over the past 12 months, BTCI has decreased by roughly 30%, YBTC has fallen about 45%, and YBIT has dropped nearly 50% [7]. - Analysts suggest that funds like the premium income ETF could outperform in sideways or declining bitcoin markets if managed properly [4].

Core Viewpoint - BlackRock is preparing to launch its iShares Bitcoin Premium Income ETF, which aims to track Bitcoin's price while generating income through an actively managed strategy of writing call options on IBIT shares and related indices [1]. Group 1: ETF Structure and Strategy - The new ETF will sell options that grant other investors the right to purchase its IBIT shares at a predetermined price, collecting option premiums as income [2]. - Shares in the ETF will represent fractional beneficial interests in the fund's income, Bitcoin, IBIT shares, and cash [2]. - The fund's structure indicates a higher-risk, higher-fee strategy that has the potential for greater income compared to a passive spot Bitcoin ETF [6]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - The NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF, launched in October 2024, has $1.09 billion in assets under management and an expense ratio of approximately 0.99% [4]. - The new BlackRock ETF will compete with the Roundhill Bitcoin Covered Call Strategy ETF (YBTC) and YieldMax Bitcoin Option Income Strategy ETF (YBIT), which have $225 million and $74 million in assets under management, respectively [5]. - Actively managed ETFs like BTCI and the new iShares offering typically charge higher fees to cover the costs associated with their option-writing strategies, unlike passive spot Bitcoin ETFs that maintain lower operating costs [5].

Core Viewpoint - BlackRock is expanding its presence in the cryptocurrency ETF market by planning to launch the iShares Bitcoin Premium Income ETF, which aims to provide income from bitcoin exposure [1]. Group 1: Fund Structure and Strategy - The proposed fund will actively manage bitcoin exposure, either directly or through shares of BlackRock's existing iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), and will generate income by selling call options on that exposure [2]. - This fund will utilize a "covered-call" strategy, which is common in stock-based income funds, allowing it to generate income by selling the right to purchase its underlying assets at a fixed price [2][3]. - The fund will distribute the premiums generated from the covered-call strategy to investors as income, trading potential upside for income [3]. Group 2: Market Position and Performance - BlackRock's entry into the market is notable due to its scale and the success of IBIT, which has over $69.7 billion in assets, making it the dominant spot bitcoin ETF [4]. - BlackRock's bitcoin funds have become the firm's top revenue source, indicating strong market demand and performance [4]. - Other covered-call ETFs, such as YBTC, BTCI, and BAGY, have shown high distribution rates, but they may dilute net asset value (NAV) due to higher yields offered [5]. Group 3: Performance Comparison - Bitcoin-focused income ETFs have underperformed BTC, with BTCI down approximately 31.3% and YBTC losing 45% over the last 12 months, compared to a 14% drawdown in bitcoin [6]. - BAGY, which launched in late April 2025, has also seen a decline of 25% since its debut [6].

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. invasion of Venezuela and the arrest of Nicolas Maduro have led to a rally in bitcoin, with prices exceeding $94,000, raising speculation about a potential return to $100,000 in the near term [1]. Group 1: Bitcoin and BTCI ETF - The NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (BTCI) is an actively managed covered call ETF that generates significant income from bitcoin, boasting a distribution rate of 27.25% as of December 31, 2025 [2]. - BTCI's relevance is heightened by the potential regime change in Venezuela, which may impact bitcoin's market dynamics [3]. Group 2: Venezuela's Bitcoin Holdings - Venezuela is rumored to hold approximately 600,000 bitcoin, valued at around $60 billion, which could represent nearly 3% of bitcoin's circulating supply if seized by the U.S. government [4][5]. - The U.S. government's potential seizure of Venezuela's bitcoin holdings could benefit BTCI, especially if the assets are used to bolster national reserves rather than being sold [5]. Group 3: Investment Implications - As a covered call ETF, BTCI may not capture all of bitcoin's upside but can still provide exposure to the cryptocurrency market, making it attractive for income investors during this period of heightened interest in bitcoin [6]. - Reports indicate that Venezuela's accumulation of bitcoin began around 2018, involving the liquidation of gold reserves, which could have significantly increased in value since then [7].

Group 1 - The NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (BTCI) is designed to provide investors with exposure to Bitcoin while generating income through high dividend-paying stocks and ETFs [1] - The fund's strategy focuses on risk-adjusted performance, diversification, and sustainability, which are essential for investors seeking financial independence and effective portfolio management [1] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the importance of having a high conviction in a portfolio, particularly in dividend-paying assets, to ensure peace of mind for investors [1]

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of the MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF (MLPI) by NEOS ETFs is timely in the current easing monetary policy environment, providing bond investors with an alternative income source through options income in the energy sector [1][2]. Group 1: Fund Overview - MLPI invests in master limited partnerships (MLPs) and energy infrastructure companies, generating income from premiums through writing call options on ETFs focused on energy infrastructure MLPs [2]. - The fund is actively managed with a management fee of 68 basis points, allowing portfolio managers to adjust holdings according to market conditions, which adds a risk management component [3]. Group 2: Market Context - The majority of capital markets are anticipating additional rate cuts, making the launch of MLPI and other income-focused ETFs by NEOS particularly relevant [2]. - NEOS has successfully gathered assets in 2025 by offering options-based high income strategies, expanding its lineup to include various investment styles [2][4]. Group 3: Tax Efficiency and Diversification - MLPI offers tax loss harvesting opportunities and tax efficiency through the pass-through benefits and tax deferrals associated with the MLP structure [3]. - NEOS provides a range of ETFs that cater to different investor needs, including options for income, tax efficiency, and diversification [4][5].

Group 1 - Bitwise's Staking Solana (BSOL) ETF had a strong market debut, attracting approximately $417 million in its first week, making it one of the top 20 ETFs by net inflows across all asset classes [1][2] - BSOL's inflows were nearly ten times larger than the NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF, which brought in $56.17 million, indicating significant investor interest in Solana compared to other crypto ETFs [2] - The early success of BSOL suggests institutional investors are diversifying their exposure beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, indicating pent-up demand for altcoin-focused ETFs [3] Group 2 - Despite the record inflows into BSOL, the price of Solana (SOL) fell by more than 3% over the past week, currently trading at $186.92, suggesting that inflows may have come from asset rotations rather than new capital [4] - Bitwise's Chief Investment Officer, Matt Hougan, remains optimistic about Solana's future, emphasizing its role in stablecoin transfers and tokenized assets, supported by its high-speed infrastructure and active developer community [5]

Core Insights - Bitcoin is often compared to gold, with both lacking income streams from dividends or bond payments [1] - A new wave of ETFs, such as the NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (BTCI), introduces income potential to Bitcoin investments [2] Group 1: BTCI Performance and Features - BTCI has achieved significant success as a rookie ETF, with assets under management nearing $872 million and a trailing 12-month distribution rate of 27.32% [3][4] - The ETF employs a straightforward covered call strategy, writing options on major Bitcoin ETFs like VanEck Bitcoin ETF Trust (HODL) and iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) [4] - BTCI's active management approach aims to maximize income opportunities while maintaining upside potential, distinguishing it from many index-based covered call ETFs [6] Group 2: Income Generation and Returns - BTCI seeks to provide high monthly income and upside potential through a data-driven call option overlay, leveraging Bitcoin's price volatility [5] - For the six months ending October 10, BTCI returned over 24%, demonstrating impressive total returns when factoring in yield, despite being lower than Bitcoin's performance [7]