TSE:ZWK

Covered Call US Banks ETF (ZWK.TO)

29.28
+0.37 (1.28%)
as of Sep 3, 2026, 7:45:21 pm Market Open.
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Investor Insights
star iconSep 4, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 8 opinions in the last 12 months.

Experts have a mixed outlook on the ZWK ETF, which primarily includes regional banks alongside larger institutions. While some believe that investing directly in robust large-cap banks may yield better total returns compared to the covered call strategy employed by ZWK, others acknowledge the appeal of the ETF's relatively high dividend yield of around 7%. Several reviews express concern that the covered call approach limits upside potential, suggesting that investors may find more benefits by owning underlying stocks directly. Nevertheless, there is an appreciation for the stability that covered calls can provide amidst current market conditions, particularly with regard to the evolving regulatory environment. Overall, while US banks are viewed positively, with many regional banks emerging as potential acquisition targets, experts seem to favor a more selective approach to bank investments, particularly favoring larger banks over regional ones.

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Consensus
Neutral
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Valuation
Fair Value
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Similar
ZBK
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Aug 03/21, Down 6%) Down with the market. High yield. In US banks, so he's very comfortable holding.
BUY
Has done very well on yield and capital appreciation. Be aware that, since it holds US banks, dividend income is treated as regular income, not as dividend income, but the capital gains are still there. He's still buying it. Yield is about 5%.
BUY
USD ETF for a new investor. Canadian-listed but deals with the US as a covered call, yield is around 5%. There's also a USD version.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Nov 09/20, Up 20%) The yield has done well, paying 6.5%. Owns it for many accounts. Still likes it. The covered calls are treated as capital gains.
BUY
ZWK vs. XLF vs. VFH Likes US banks. Equal weighted basket of large and regional banks. Will benefit when you see the economy recover, 6-12 months out, with lower loan losses, steepening yield curve. Yield about 6.9%, a combination of dividends and covered call options. Makes sense if you're in it for the income. XLF and VFH don't have the covered call, do have a lower expense ratio, and let you capture the upside from the underlying securities.
TOP PICK
An MER of 0.71% he owned this when Covid hit in March 2020 and stocks got hammered. The covered call would hinder the recovery of this ETF, so he sold ZWK. But as the S&P started to rise, he re-entered ZWK. Also, he bought this for the 8.5% dividend yield at the time. A screaming deal. He bought around $20. It still pays around 6%. He expects US banks to do well.
BUY
Likes the US bank sector. The covered call makes the banks more conservative; if banks go up, you have less upside, but if they go down, less downside. If you're in retirement, it's a perfectly fine ETF. We're in the early innings of a new credit upswing, consistent with an economic super-recovery. The banks will do well with curve steepeners.
COMMENT

There are two elements to covered call strategies. There is the underlying stocks, and then the option premium. Volatility will continue to be high for the next couple years. Premiums will remain elevated. FIE pays back a part of your money back. There are a couple different elements to consider.

TOP PICK
Banks. It is a play on US banks. It has a about a 9.5% yield. It has a very broad segment of the US banks. He uses it as an income play. Banks in a zero rate interest rate environment have trouble making money but he does not see it as a that bi a risk.
COMMENT
Owns all the Canadian banks and you don't have to worry which one is going to lead. However, the US banks are also quite cheap relative to the Canadian banks.
COMMENT
Because of volatility spiking up to tremendous levels, the option premium income went up everywhere. From now till the end of the year, you can expect volatility. You can expect 2-3% of extra yield from option strategy than the underlying stocks.
DON'T BUY

A way to play US banks with a covered call. Similar to the ZEB for Canada. He's negative on banks because of covid and interest rates. He doesn't have any US or Canadian banks right now.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Feb 14/19, Up 11%) He likes covered calls on US banks. Owns a lot of this.
COMMENT

He wouldn't buy the covered call. If you like American banks, buy them individually. He would rather buy ZBK which is a play on American banks without a covered call. Basically, you're paying a premium for covered calls..

COMMENT
Buying back covered calls to resell. Will often do that, when stock declines. If there's enough time value, he would wait. Time value drops quickly when close to expiry.
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