Core Insights - The article emphasizes the benefits of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for retirees, highlighting their ability to provide diversification and high dividends, making them a safer investment option during retirement years [1]. Group 1: Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 index and includes approximately 100 dividend stocks that have raised dividends for at least 10 consecutive years [3][5]. - The ETF has a yield of 3.78% and a low expense ratio of 0.06%, with significant allocations in the energy sector (19.34%), consumer staples (18.50%), and healthcare (16.10%) [5][6]. - The fund has generated annualized returns of 9.48% over 5 years and 11.40% over 10 years, currently trading at $28.09 [6]. Group 2: Strategy Shares Gold-Hedged Bond ETF - The Strategy Shares Gold-Hedged Bond ETF offers a yield of 7.25% and has surged 45% in the past year by combining gold futures with bonds, making it an attractive option for retirees seeking income and exposure to gold [7][8]. - The ETF is positioned to benefit from the rising gold prices, providing a potential income stream while capitalizing on gold's upside [8]. Group 3: JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF - The JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF yields 8.3% by utilizing large-cap stocks and S&P 500 call options, offering monthly payouts to investors [7].

Core Insights - The markets in 2025 have shown volatility, with both bullish and bearish trends impacting investor strategies [1] - The Social Security Administration has projected a 2.8% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026, which may not keep pace with rising inflation at approximately 3% [2] High-Yield ETFs - Two high-yield ETFs are highlighted as potential alternatives for income-focused investors: the State Street Blackstone High Income ETF (HYBL) and the State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD) [3] - The State Street Blackstone High Income ETF (HYBL) has around $545 million in assets under management and offers a dividend yield of 7.2%, significantly higher than the projected COLA increase [5] - HYBL aims to generate strong total returns with high income while maintaining lower volatility compared to broader bond and credit markets, investing in high-yield corporate bonds, senior loans, equity, and U.S. CLO debt tranches [5][6] - The top holdings of HYBL include Fair Isaac Corp 4%, JetBlue Airways Corp / JetBlue Loyalty LP 9.875%, and Cloud Software Group/Balboa/Citrix, reflecting a diversified economic exposure [6] - The SPYD ETF tracks the 80 highest dividend-yielding S&P 500 stocks and has a low fee of 0.07% [7]