Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of creating a balanced investment portfolio by mixing stocks and bonds, suggesting a typical allocation of 60% in stocks and 40% in bonds, with variations based on individual risk tolerance [1][2][4]. Group 1: Stock Investments - A balanced portfolio should include both U.S. and international dividend-paying stocks, with the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) focusing on U.S. stocks and the Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) covering international stocks [5][7]. - The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF consists of over 580 U.S. dividend-paying companies, with a dividend yield of 2.8%, which is more than double that of the S&P 500 index [6]. - The Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF includes over 1,500 international stocks, offering a higher dividend yield of 4.1% [7]. Group 2: Bond Investments - The bond market is larger and more complex than the stock market, making bond ETFs a suitable choice for most investors. The Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) provides exposure to the entire U.S. bond market [9]. - The Vanguard Total International Bond Market ETF (BNDX) complements the U.S. bond exposure by offering a diversified global bond portfolio, with yields of approximately 3.8% for BND and 4.2% for BNDX [10]. - A recommended allocation for bonds is to keep 60% to 75% in domestic bonds and the remainder in international bonds, ensuring diversification across the bond market [11]. Group 3: Portfolio Management - The proposed portfolio consisting of four ETFs is designed for long-term income and capital appreciation, requiring minimal management with only four trades to start and annual rebalancing [12].

Inflation and Tariffs - Inflation in the United States accelerated in June, with the Consumer Price Index growing 2.7% year over year, up from 2.4% in May, marking the highest level since February [1] - Month over month, inflation climbed 0.3%, an increase from a 0.1% rise the previous month [1] - Tariffs imposed under President Trump are raising costs for everyday goods, with core prices (excluding food and energy) increasing to 2.9% from 2.8% [2] Impact of Tariffs - The inflation increase coincides with tariffs enacted by the Trump administration, including a 10% levy on all imports, 50% duties on steel and aluminum, 30% on Chinese goods, and 25% on imported automobiles [3] - Gasoline prices rose 1% from May to June, grocery prices climbed 0.35%, and appliance prices increased for the third consecutive month [3] - Major companies like Walmart, Nike, and Mitsubishi have acknowledged passing higher costs onto consumers, with some firms previously stockpiling inventory to delay price hikes [4] Dividend Investing Strategy - Dividend investing is highlighted as a viable strategy due to its income generation, providing a steady stream of income even amid market volatility [4] - Companies with a strong history of dividend growth may continue to increase dividends, which can help offset rising interest rates [5] - Dividend-paying stocks are often found in defensive sectors such as utilities, consumer staples, and healthcare, which can provide stability during economic downturns [6] Benefits of Dividend Stocks - Reinvesting dividends can enhance compounding returns, leading to exponential growth over the long term [7] - Dividend-paying stocks can serve as a hedge against inflation, as companies that can pass on increased costs to customers may maintain or increase profitability [7] ETFs for Dividend Investing - Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is the largest in the dividend space with an AUM of $93 billion, holding 337 stocks and charging 5 bps in annual fees [9] - Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) has an AUM of $61.8 billion, holding 582 stocks and charging 6 bps in annual fees [11] - iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) tracks 397 companies with sustained dividend growth, has an AUM of $32.5 billion, and charges 8 bps in fees [12] - SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD) provides exposure to high dividend income stocks with an AUM of $7 billion, holding 77 stocks and charging 7 bps in annual fees [13] - Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) offers exposure to 103 high-dividend-yielding U.S. companies, with an AUM of $71.3 billion and charging 6 bps in annual fees [14]

Core Insights - The Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) has reached an all-time high and is up nearly 20% in the first half of 2025 [1] - The ETF tracks the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield index, focusing on international stocks that pay above-average dividends [5] - Despite being at a peak, the ETF remains an attractive investment option compared to U.S. high-dividend counterparts [9] ETF Performance and Composition - The ETF has a dividend yield of approximately 4.1% and a low expense ratio of 0.17% [5] - The portfolio consists of about 1,550 stocks, with 44% in European companies, 26% in developed Asia-Pacific markets, and 21% in emerging markets [6] - The top holdings include well-known companies such as Nestle, Novartis, Toyota, Shell, and Royal Bank of Canada [7] Valuation Metrics - The average P/E ratio of the ETF is 12.0, with an earnings growth rate of 13.7% over the past five years, resulting in a PEG ratio of 0.88 [10] - In comparison, the U.S.-focused Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) has a higher average P/E of 19.1 and a PEG ratio of 1.79 [10] Investment Outlook - The Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF is considered to have a significant valuation gap compared to U.S. high-dividend stocks, making it a potentially good value [11] - The ETF has been a top-performing investment in 2025, and there is confidence in adding to the investment at current prices [12]

Core Viewpoint - The "Magnificent Seven" stocks, which include Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta Platforms, and Tesla, have significantly underperformed the S&P 500 in 2025, with Microsoft down 8.1% and Tesla down over 35% year-to-date, prompting investors to consider alternatives like the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF [1][2]. Group 1: Performance of the Magnificent Seven - The Magnificent Seven stocks contributed significantly to market gains in 2023 and 2024 but have seen a halt in momentum in 2025 [1]. - As of the current writing, all seven stocks are underperforming the S&P 500, with Microsoft down 8.1% and Tesla down over 35% [2]. Group 2: Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF - The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF is highlighted as an attractive alternative for investors seeking low-cost ETFs that do not include the Magnificent Seven [2][7]. - This ETF has an expense ratio of 0.06%, which is slightly higher than the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF's 0.03%, but the difference is minimal for most investors [9]. - The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF targets companies with strong dividend growth and offers a more balanced sector exposure compared to the S&P 500 [9]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Dividend Yield - The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF has a 2.9% dividend yield, roughly double that of the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF at 1.4% [10]. - The ETF is overweight in sectors such as financials (20.4%), healthcare (14.3%), and energy (9.4%), compared to the S&P 500 [10]. - The ETF's lower price-to-earnings ratio of 18.1 compared to the S&P 500's 23.9 indicates a more attractive valuation [10]. Group 4: Investor Suitability - The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF is suitable for risk-averse investors, income investors, and those looking for balanced exposure without increasing their holdings in the Magnificent Seven [11]. - During market volatility, the ETF serves as a reliable option for investors focusing on value and income [12].