Core Insights - Achieving $1 million in passive income is challenging, but generating smaller amounts is more feasible [5][6] - Retirement income may require selling assets or generating passive income through investments like ETFs [2][3] Portfolio Analysis - Typical dividend yields for blue-chip companies range from 2% to 4%, with some companies yielding 5% or 6% [6] - To generate $1 million annually at a 3% yield, a portfolio of approximately $33.33 million is needed, while a 6% yield requires about $16.67 million [6][8] ETF Recommendations - Three ETFs with solid dividend yields and historical returns include: - Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) with a yield of 3.9% and 5-year average return of 11.49% [9] - Fidelity High Dividend ETF (FDVV) with a yield of 3.1% and 5-year average return of 17.56% [9] - Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) with a yield of 2.6% and 5-year average return of 13.79% [9] - For higher yields, the iShares Preferred & Income Securities ETF (PFF) offers a yield of 6.5%, though with lower average annual gains [10] - Covered-call ETFs like JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI) and JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPQ) yield 8.4% and 11.2% respectively [11]

The U.S. economy has lately been showing signs of weakness. There are concerns about the health of the job market and the overall U.S. economy. Due tothe Trump administration’s wavering trade policies, which add uncertainty in the U.S. economy, investors seeking stable income are looking at dividend stocks and funds to boost their portfolios.Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman recently indicated that she is considering three interest rate cuts this year due to the economic slowdown. Bowman indicated th ...

Core Viewpoint - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a leading investment option for exposure to the Large Cap Value segment of the U.S. equity market, with significant assets and low expense ratios, making it attractive for long-term investors [1][4][10]. Group 1: ETF Overview - SCHD is a passively managed ETF launched on October 20, 2011, and is sponsored by Charles Schwab, with assets exceeding $69.99 billion [1]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, which focuses on high dividend yielding stocks with a strong record of dividend payments [7]. Group 2: Investment Characteristics - Large cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations above $10 billion, are generally more stable and exhibit predictable cash flows compared to mid and small cap companies [2]. - Value stocks, which typically have lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, have historically outperformed growth stocks in long-term performance, although growth stocks may excel in strong bull markets [3]. Group 3: Costs and Performance - SCHD has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.06%, positioning it among the least expensive ETFs in its category, and it offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 3.81% [4]. - As of August 11, 2025, SCHD has gained approximately 0.25% year-to-date and 4.36% over the past year, with a trading range between $24.32 and $29.53 in the last 52 weeks [8]. Group 4: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Consumer Staples sector, comprising about 19.8% of the portfolio, followed by Energy and Healthcare [5]. - Texas Instruments Inc (TXN) is the largest holding at approximately 4.33% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 40.3% of total assets under management [6]. Group 5: Alternatives and Market Position - SCHD holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating strong expected returns based on various factors, making it a compelling choice for investors interested in the Large Cap Value segment [10]. - Other comparable ETFs include the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) and the Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), with VYM having $62.20 billion in assets and VTV at $139.70 billion, both with competitive expense ratios [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of dividend stocks as a reliable income source amid economic uncertainty, highlighting the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) as a top choice for investors looking to add dividend-paying investments to their portfolios [1][9][11]. Summary by Sections Dividend ETFs Overview - Not all dividend ETFs are created equal, with significant differences in performance and underlying indices [3][4]. - The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) and SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY) both yield just under 2.6%, but VYM has outperformed SDY by approximately 40% over the past five years [4]. - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) has a trailing yield of 3.9%, but has underperformed compared to VYM and SDY [5]. Performance Analysis - The Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) has been the best performer over the past five years, focusing on consistent dividend growth with a trailing yield of 1.65% [7][8]. - SCHD is highlighted as a smart investment choice due to its potential for reversal in performance trends favoring value stocks over growth stocks [11][12]. Market Conditions and Predictions - Current market conditions are shifting from a growth stock environment to one favoring value stocks, which benefits dividend-paying stocks [11][14]. - Economic factors such as inflation, trade uncertainties, and labor issues are contributing to predictions of below-average returns for the U.S. stock market, with expected annual growth rates between 3.3% and 6% over the next decade [17][18]. Investment Strategy - Investors are encouraged to consider reallocating their portfolios towards dividend-paying value investments, as cash dividends may become increasingly valuable in a stagnant market [16][18]. - A gradual shift towards favoring dividends and value stocks is anticipated, suggesting that proactive adjustments to investment strategies may be beneficial [19][20].

Core Viewpoint - The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a significant player in the Large Cap Value segment of the US equity market, with assets exceeding $61.89 billion, making it one of the largest ETFs in this category [1] Group 1: Large Cap Value Characteristics - Large cap companies typically have a market capitalization above $10 billion, offering more stability and predictable cash flows compared to mid and small cap companies [2] - Value stocks are characterized by lower than average price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, and they have historically outperformed growth stocks in most markets, although they may lag in strong bull markets [3] Group 2: Costs and Performance - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.06%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in the market, with a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.62% [4] - VYM aims to match the performance of the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, having gained approximately 6.84% year-to-date and about 16.85% over the past year, with a trading range of $114.78 to $136.66 in the last 52 weeks [7] Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Financials sector, comprising about 21.8% of the portfolio, followed by Information Technology and Industrials [5] - Broadcom Inc (AVGO) represents around 6.44% of total assets, with Jpmorgan Chase & Co (JPM) and Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM) also among the top holdings [6] Group 4: Risk and Alternatives - VYM has a beta of 0.78 and a standard deviation of 14.15% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [8] - Alternatives to VYM include the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and the Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), with SCHD having $69.84 billion in assets and VTV at $138.99 billion, both with competitive expense ratios [10]

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]

The S&P 500 recently reached a new all-time high, and many stocks are at or near their own 52-week highs. But there are two important things for ETF investors to know. First, not all ETFs are near all-time highs. In fact, some are still down by 10% or more from their recent peaks. Second, just because a certain ETF is at a new high doesn't always mean that it's expensive. And with these principles in mind, here are three Vanguard ETFs that look incredibly attractive even with many stocks reaching new highs. ...