As the market broadens out heading into 2026, high-yield dividend stocks could be set to finally outperform the S&P 500.High-yield products appear to be gaining in popularity in 2025. Most of the excitement is centered around the single-stock, leveraged, and derivative income funds that are highly volatile and highly risky, but also offer attractive yields.I still prefer the more traditional high-income products. ETFs that invest in equities with above-average yields or use conservative covered-call strateg ...

Another higher-yield option Lee mentioned was BlackRock Science and Technology Trust II (NYSE: BSTZ) , a technology-oriented income fund paying monthly distributions exceeding 11%. These types of funds are not designed for ultra-conservative investors, but for those willing to accept some volatility, the income potential can be compelling.We also discussed more specialized options. One that stood out was the Gabelli Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust (NYSE: GGN) . Managed by Mario Gabelli’s firm, it hol ...

Your typical covered call ETF that targets the stock market also generates its income this way. The difference is that gold is much more likely to stay solid through a recession. One bad jobs report, or a major company like Nvidia ( NASDAQ:NVDA ) reporting a bad quarter, can send covered-call ETFs like JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF ( NYSE:JEPI ) down by double digits. They're only flashy today due to the extended rally.The FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF gives you exposure to the price movement ...

Questions about whether an AI-driven bubble is forming have been around for some time, contributing to periods of increased caution among investors. Growing concerns over elevated debt levels among AI-focused companies, particularly those tied to AI infrastructure, have weighed on broader market sentiment, as per CNBC.The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite slipped about 0.16% and 0.59%, respectively, on Monday. In comparison, the CBOE Volatility Index has climbed roughly 14% since Dec. 12, underscoring the re ...

pics five / Shutterstock.com Quick Read Retirees often need more than just Social Security to live comfortably. JPMorgan Equity Premium Income (JEPI) generates monthly income by holding large-cap S&P 500 stocks and selling call options against them. JEPI suits retirees with moderate risk tolerance seeking steady income beyond Social Security’s average $2,000 monthly benefit. A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans’ retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to re ...

Core Insights - The shift towards monthly dividend ETFs is driven by the need for retirees to maintain a steady cash flow without selling assets during market downturns [1][4][14] - Monthly dividend ETFs provide a simpler budgeting method for retirees, allowing them to align their income with their regular expenses [2][3][4] - There is a growing demand for income solutions that can keep pace with rising costs, particularly healthcare [6] Investment Strategies - Retirees are increasingly creating diversified "paycheck portfolios" composed of various ETFs to generate income [7][8] - Combining high-yield funds with dividend-growth ETFs can provide both immediate cash flow and long-term income stability [8][9] - An example of a combined approach includes pairing the JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF with the Global X SuperDividend ETF to create a reliable income stream [9][10] Financial Planning Considerations - Retirees must assess their spending needs and align them with the ETFs they choose to ensure reliable cash flow [11][12] - For instance, to generate $4,000 monthly, approximately $571,000 in investments would be needed with the JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF [12] - Balancing monthly income ETFs with traditional growth funds is essential for long-term portfolio health [13][14]

The Roundhill COIN WeeklyPay ETF (NYSEARCA:COIW) offers 52 dividend payments per year, a huge improvement over the quarterly payments of most ETFs, and a newer cohort of monthly yield options. Launched in February 2025, COIW targets weekly distributions while providing 120% leveraged exposure to Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN) through total return swaps. However, more frequent income doesn't mean safer income, and COIW's distribution pattern shows exactly why. For reliable monthly income without extreme volat ...

COLA Disappointments and Social Security Risks: Millions of Americans rely mostly on Social Security in retirement. But this can create serious financial risks. The average Social Security benefit in 2025 is only $2,015 per month, roughly $24,000 per year. For most retirees, that replaces just 40% of their pre-retirement income. And there’s more risk ahead. in the next decade. As baby boomers retire, the program may run out of funds. If Congress doesn’t act, benefits could shrink. Relying solely on Social S ...

Core Viewpoint - Stifel projects a 9% upside for the S&P 500 in 2026 if the US economy remains stable, but warns of a potential 20% decline in the event of a recession [1][2] Economic Outlook - A recession is not the base case for Stifel or other major banks, with a 25% chance assigned to a downturn occurring next year [2] - The Federal Reserve has increased its growth forecast for 2026, indicating a more optimistic economic outlook [2] Labor Market Concerns - The labor market shows signs of instability, with rising unemployment and layoffs, which could lead to reduced consumer spending [3] - Consumer spending accounts for 68% of GDP, making its decline a significant concern for economic health [3] Stock Valuation Risks - Current stock valuations are historically high, with median pullbacks during recessions averaging 20% and average drops at 23% since World War II [4] - The S&P 500 is considered expensive, and P/E ratios may become critical in a downturn [4] Speculative Assets and Market Behavior - In the event of a bear market, speculative assets are expected to decline first, followed by the broader market [5] - A basket of seven highly-volatile stocks has already seen significant declines, indicating a shift in market sentiment [5] Defensive Investment Recommendations - Despite a positive base case for the S&P 500, Stifel recommends building hedge positions with defensive stocks [6] - Suggested funds for exposure to defensive assets include Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP), Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV), JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI), and iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF (DBMF) [6]

Core Insights - Many individuals enter retirement with optimism but later find their income insufficient to cover expenses, largely due to overreliance on Social Security [1] - The average monthly Social Security benefit is slightly over $2,000, and there are concerns about potential future benefit cuts, highlighting the need for a backup income plan [2] Investment Opportunities - **Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD)**: This ETF provides access to S&P 500 companies that offer generous dividends with low volatility, making it suitable for retirees seeking steady income [4][5] - **iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF (PFF)**: PFF holds a diversified portfolio of U.S. preferred shares, offering higher yields than typical dividend ETFs while distributing dividends monthly, though it is heavily weighted in the financial sector [6][7] - **JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI)**: JEPI invests in large U.S. businesses and utilizes covered calls to generate income, providing a moderate-risk option for retirees focused on predictable income rather than high growth [8][9]