Core Viewpoint - Investing in the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) can be a lucrative opportunity for patient investors, offering access to a diversified portfolio of high-quality companies with strong dividend yields [1][2]. Group 1: ETF Overview - VYM is a dividend-focused ETF that mirrors the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, primarily consisting of large-cap companies with above-average dividend yields [3]. - The ETF includes well-established companies with solid cash flow and consistent dividend histories, such as Broadcom, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and ExxonMobil [4]. Group 2: Dividend Performance - VYM has shown a consistent increase in its dividend payouts, with a total increase of over 380% since its inception, significantly outpacing the S&P 500's dividend growth [5][7]. - The ETF's average dividend yield over the past decade is approximately 3%, providing a substantial income stream for investors [9]. Group 3: Investment Growth Potential - Over the past decade, VYM has averaged around 11.2% annual total returns, suggesting significant growth potential for long-term investors [8]. - A hypothetical investment of $500 monthly could grow to approximately $686,400 over 25 years, with an annual dividend income of about $20,580 based on a 3% yield [9].

Core Insights - The article discusses various dividend ETFs that are suitable for retirees, highlighting their yields, expense ratios, and performance metrics [3][4][5]. Dividend ETFs Overview - The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) has a yield of 2.85% and pays quarterly dividends, but there are other ETFs with higher yields worth considering [3][4]. - The SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY) has $20 million in assets, a yield of 2.58%, and has generated returns of 10.80% over three years and 11.68% over five years [5][6][8]. - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) offers a yield of 3.93%, with a low expense ratio of 0.06%, and has generated cumulative returns of 11.27% in three years and 12.05% in five years [9][10][11]. - The SPDR Portfolio S&P High Dividend ETF (SPYD) has a yield of 4.77% and focuses on steady income, with a three-year return of 12.54% and a five-year return of 15.19% [11][12][14]. - The JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI) provides a high yield of 7.17% through an options call strategy, generating cumulative returns of 44.26% in three years and 65.65% in five years [15][16][17].

Core Insights - The article discusses two dividend ETFs, Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) and Capital Group Dividend Value ETF (CGDV), highlighting their potential as durable income streams and diversification options in a volatile market environment [3][4]. Group 1: Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) - VYM is noted for its balance between income and growth, offering a yield of 2.5% and featuring growth-oriented stocks in its top holdings [5][6]. - The ETF includes 581 stocks, providing better sector representation compared to the S&P 500, which helps mitigate concentration risk associated with the technology sector [6][7]. - With a beta of 0.85 and a yield that is 1% higher than the S&P 500, VYM is positioned as a favorable investment option for the end of the month [7]. Group 2: Capital Group Dividend Value ETF (CGDV) - CGDV is characterized by its focus on dividend, growth, and value, with a lower yield of 1.33% but a potentially lower risk profile amid tech and AI bubble concerns [8][9]. - The ETF has received a gold rating from Morningstar, indicating strong investor interest, despite a higher expense ratio of 0.33% compared to VYM [8][9]. - CGDV emphasizes lesser-appreciated stocks that may have significant growth potential, maintaining manageable exposure to the top holdings of the S&P 500 [11].

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have been around for 32 years in the U.S. And I’ve been scouting and investing in them the entire time. As a result, I’ve developed some biases about the ETF landscape, as well as some pet peeves about investor behavior surrounding them. And dividend ETFs bring a lot of those out. Case in point, the current status of investing for high dividend yield. To be clear, “high yield” for me is different from investing in dividend stocks for growth, using the dividend as one fundament ...

Core Insights - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) has experienced significant underperformance recently, trailing behind major competitors in the dividend ETF space [1][2] - Once a leader in dividend investing, SCHD's performance has declined sharply, raising questions among investors about its future viability [2][4] Performance Overview - SCHD was historically a top performer, ranking in the top third of Morningstar's Large Cap Value category for nine consecutive years and achieving a 5-star Morningstar rating [3] - The ETF's total assets under management (AUM) reached over $71 billion, making it the second-largest dividend ETF globally, only behind Vanguard's VIG [3] Reasons for Underperformance - The decline in SCHD's performance began in 2023, coinciding with the rise of technology stocks, particularly the "Magnificent 7," which have driven the S&P 500 higher [4] - SCHD's allocation to technology stocks is only 9%, compared to approximately 35% in the S&P 500, which has hindered its ability to keep pace with market gains [4] - The ETF has invested heavily in underperforming sectors such as energy and staples, with over 50% of its portfolio in three of the worst-performing sectors year-to-date [4] - SCHD has minimal exposure to growth stocks, with only 0.27% of the fund allocated to this category, while the S&P 500 has 56% in growth stocks [4]

Core Insights - Many retirees aim to create an investment portfolio that generates sufficient income through dividends and interest, necessitating a diverse range of asset classes including equities, fixed income, and alternatives like real estate [1] Fixed Income Environment - The fixed income market has seen significant improvements, with risk-free Treasury bills yielding around 4% and investment-grade corporate bonds offering nearly 5%. Junk bonds provide even higher yields, ranging from 6% to 7% [2] Equity Market Overview - The equity market presents a contrasting scenario, with the S&P 500 yielding a near-record low of 1.1%. Dividend ETFs typically yield between 2% to 3%, peaking at around 4% before associated risks increase. However, stocks also offer capital growth potential, making the combination of price appreciation and dividend income appealing [3] Retirement Portfolio Composition - A well-structured retirement portfolio should include a mix of various asset classes, with an emphasis on incorporating higher-yielding alternatives to enhance overall returns [5] Vanguard Dividend ETFs - Vanguard's popular dividend ETFs, such as the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) and the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM), are not considered high-yield options, with yields of 1.6% and 2.5% respectively [6] - Vanguard does offer high-yield ETFs, primarily in the fixed-income sector, which may not be as well-known but can serve as effective high-yield investments [7] Selecting Vanguard ETFs for Retirement - Dividend income can be sourced from various ETFs, with well-known options being suitable for many retirement portfolios due to their low costs, high liquidity, and effective stock-selection strategies [8] Specialized High-Yield Options - High-yield ETFs tend to focus on specialized niches or foreign markets, requiring a deeper understanding. While not advisable to heavily invest in these lesser-known ETFs, they can complement a portfolio by enhancing returns without significantly increasing risk [10]

Core Insights - Warren Buffett's net worth is approximately $151 billion, but he believes he could live comfortably on much less, estimating he could manage without 99.99% of his wealth [1][2] - Buffett suggests that a $1,000,000 portfolio generating $30,000 annually in dividends would suffice for a comfortable lifestyle, indicating a need for at least a 3% yield [2] - The current market environment presents challenges for achieving such yields, with the S&P 500 offering about 1.2% and the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF at approximately 2.5% [5] Dividend Yield Trends - Average dividend yields have been declining, with the S&P 500 yield below 3% since the 2008 financial crisis [5] - Companies have increasingly favored stock buybacks over dividends, a trend noted by Deutsche Bank's strategist Jim Reid, who attributes this to a market dominated by high-growth technology firms [6] - Passive investors may struggle to achieve Buffett's preferred yield of 3%, but diversification into other asset classes or selective stock picking could help surpass this threshold [7]

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]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. economy is showing signs of weakness, leading investors to seek stable income through dividend stocks and funds due to uncertainty from trade policies [1] Economic Indicators - Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman is considering three interest rate cuts this year in response to the economic slowdown, with tariffs expected to have a one-time effect on price increases [2] - Monetary policy adjustments may lead to a short-term spike in inflation, but easing the policy rate is deemed necessary to prevent labor market weakness [3] Investment Strategies - Dividend investing remains a popular strategy amid market volatility, providing consistent income rather than dramatic price appreciation [4] - Dividend aristocrats, which are blue-chip companies with a history of increasing dividends, act as a hedge against economic uncertainty and offer downside protection [5] - High-dividend equities are appealing in a low-rate environment, as they can offset potential capital losses [7] ETF Recommendations - Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) focuses on companies with a record of increasing dividends, charging 5 bps in fees [9] - SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY) tracks high-yielding S&P constituents with a history of consistent dividend increases, charging 35 bps in fees [10] - Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) includes companies with above-average dividend payouts, charging 6 bps in fees and yielding 2.61% annually [11] - First Trust Rising Dividend Achievers ETF (RDVY) targets companies with a history of paying dividends, charging 48 bps in fees and yielding 1.42% annually [13]

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].