Key Takeaways Dividend ETFs are quietly beating the S&P 500 in 2026, amid geopolitical tensions and tech-sector weakness.While Japan-focused DFJ surges on election optimism, SCHD, HDV and EYLD offer quality dividend exposure.Wall Street has delivered a moderate performance so far this year. SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) has gained about 0.2% so far this year, SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust (DIA) has added about 2.2%, the Nasdaq-100 ETF Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) has lost about 1.6% and iS ...

Core Insights - Low-cost dividend ETFs are recommended for long-term buy-and-hold strategies, providing good dividend growth and yields with minimal fees [2][3] - These ETFs can serve as a stable foundation for investment portfolios, especially in uncertain market conditions [3] Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF (VIG) - VIG is known for its low expense ratio, recently reduced to 0.04%, equating to $4 per $10,000 invested [4][8] - The ETF focuses on companies that grow their dividends faster than average, with a 5-year dividend growth rate of 9.15% annually and a current dividend yield of 1.55% [6][8] - VIG has a manageable tech exposure, which has not negatively impacted its safety [5] Other Notable ETFs - SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD) offers a yield of over 4%, with 21% allocation to Real Estate and only 0.94% in tech [8] - Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) has returned 14.5% year-to-date in 2026, matching VIG's 9.15% dividend growth while maintaining lower tech exposure [8]

Core Insights - Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) are both focused on dividend growth, with SCHD offering a significantly higher yield compared to VIG, while VIG has shown stronger recent returns and greater exposure to technology [1][2] Cost & Size - VIG has an expense ratio of 0.05% and assets under management (AUM) of $103.1 billion, while SCHD has a slightly higher expense ratio of 0.06% and AUM of $77.3 billion [3][4][10] Performance & Risk - Over the past year, VIG has delivered a return of 10.4%, compared to SCHD's 6.6%. In terms of risk, VIG has a maximum drawdown of -20.39% over five years, while SCHD's is -16.86% [3][5] Portfolio Composition - SCHD consists of 101 U.S. companies, with major sector allocations in energy (19%), consumer defensive (18%), and healthcare (18%). Its top holdings include Lockheed Martin Corp, Texas Instrument Inc, and Chevron Corp [6] - VIG holds 338 stocks, with a focus on technology (28%), financial services (21%), and healthcare (17%). Its largest positions are in Broadcom Inc, Microsoft Corp, and Apple Inc, indicating a heavier tech exposure [7] Investor Considerations - Both funds are suitable for income-oriented investors, with nearly identical expense ratios and significant liquidity due to their large AUM. VIG is slightly larger, which may provide a marginal advantage in liquidity [9][10]

If you're a decade shy of clocking in one last time and stepping into retirement, you probably feel excited. ...

Market Overview - The market is experiencing a shift with a new Fed chair nominee and a turn towards risk-off trading in certain sectors [1][2] - Interest rates have been stable recently, contributing to a resilient economy and strong corporate earnings [3][4] Fixed Income Performance - Emerging markets have been the best-performing area in fixed income year-to-date, indicating opportunities outside the US [6] - The yield curve is steepening, suggesting normalization in interest rates, with long-term rates higher than short-term rates [5] Investment Strategies - Investors are diversifying away from US-centric assets towards emerging markets, driven by attractive risk-return profiles [11] - Flows into option income ETFs have outpaced those into traditional dividend ETFs, reflecting a shift in income generation strategies [14] Bond Market Insights - Investment-grade credit, particularly in the triple B range, is recommended for its yield advantage with similar default risk [19] - Private credit is gaining attention, offering yields close to 7% with low duration, appealing to investors transitioning from money market funds [22] Economic Outlook - Credit fundamentals remain strong, with tight spreads indicating a robust economy [44] - The potential for volatility exists due to the new Fed chair and midterm elections, but the overall outlook for fixed income remains positive [38][41] Risks and Considerations - Attention is needed on private capital stocks, which may face stress, particularly in less liquid vehicles [27] - Investors should be cautious about extending duration too quickly and ensure a balanced portfolio to mitigate risks [50]

Funds investing in high -yielding stocks like Exxon Mobil, Ford, Coca-Cola and Walmart are blowing it out of the water. ...

Core Viewpoint - Many investors nearing retirement and those already in retirement are increasingly turning to dividend ETFs for a reliable and steady stream of income through equities in a diversified portfolio [1] Group 1 - Dividend ETFs are favored by investors seeking income stability as they approach or are in retirement [1] - The use of dividend ETFs allows for diversification within an investment portfolio, which is crucial for risk management [1] - The trend indicates a growing preference for income-generating investments among retirees [1]

Core Insights - Gold and silver have experienced a significant rally over the past few years, indicating strong market performance and investor interest in these precious metals [1] Group 1 - The rally in gold and silver prices suggests a shift in investor sentiment towards safe-haven assets [1] - The performance of gold and silver may be influenced by macroeconomic factors such as inflation and geopolitical tensions [1] - Increased demand for gold and silver in various sectors, including jewelry and technology, has contributed to their price increases [1]

For most investors, this is a game to stick in for the long haul. That includes novice investors with decades ahead of them before they clock out for the last time and even retirees. ...

Core Viewpoint - Volatility in the stock market is expected to persist, with daily swings of a few percentage points becoming more common, particularly in the context of an AI bubble or signs of a potential market crash following three years of double-digit gains [1] Group 1 - Investors' hopes for reduced volatility may not materialize, indicating a challenging market environment ahead [1] - The frequency of significant market fluctuations, which were previously rare, is likely to increase [1] - The current market conditions may suggest an impending crash, raising concerns about the sustainability of recent gains [1]