Key Points The ETFs listed below pay dividends and invest in quality blue-chip stocks. They can provide investors with relatively safe ways to invest in the stock market today. They have either limited or no exposure to tech. 10 stocks we like better than Vanguard Whitehall Funds - Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF › Artificial intelligence (AI) stocks have been red hot in recent years, perhaps too hot. The problem is that has inflated the value of the S&P 500, which has historically been a safe i ...

Core Viewpoint - The article compares various ETFs, highlighting their yields, returns, and suitability for different types of investors, particularly focusing on dividend investors and those seeking growth. Group 1: Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) - SCHD offers a high yield of 3.83% and a low expense ratio of 0.06% [1] - Despite its high yield, SCHD has only produced an annualized return of 5.6% over the past three years, which is comparable to some corporate bonds [2] - SCHD is considered suitable for retirees due to its low volatility, but it may not be the best option for maximizing returns [2] Group 2: Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) - QQQ has delivered an impressive annualized return of 29.5% over the past three years and an average return of 19.3% over the past decade [3] - The ETF heavily emphasizes large-cap tech stocks, particularly the "Magnificent Seven," with tech making up more than half of its assets [4] - QQQ has a lower SEC yield of 0.44% and a higher expense ratio of 0.20% compared to SCHD, but it has historically provided better returns [5] Group 3: VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) - SMH has a lower SEC yield of 0.28% and a higher expense ratio of 0.35% [6] - The ETF focuses on semiconductor stocks benefiting from the AI boom, with Nvidia making up 17% of its total assets [6] - SMH has achieved an annualized return of 48.9% over the past three years and 30.4% over the past decade, significantly outperforming SCHD [7] Group 4: Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF (VYM) - VYM offers a lower yield of 2.39% but has an annualized return of 12.0% over the past three years and 11.2% over the past decade [8] - The ETF is well-diversified with over 550 stocks, and its top 10 holdings account for only 28% of total assets [9] - VYM is considered a better choice for growth compared to SCHD, especially for investors not relying on immediate dividends [10]

Core Insights - A significant concern for retirees is the inadequacy of Social Security benefits to cover their expenses, with many relying solely on these benefits [1][2] - The average retired worker receives about $2,000 monthly, translating to an annual income of $24,000, which may not sufficiently cover retirement costs [2][6] - It is crucial for retirees to have savings and an income-generating portfolio, with ETFs being a viable option for this purpose [3] ETF Considerations - When selecting income-producing ETFs, retirees should focus on three key factors: yield, risk tolerance, and expense ratio [7] - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is highlighted for its focus on companies with a history of increasing dividends for over 10 years, making it a lower-risk option [5][8] - The SCHD ETF offers a yield of 3.80% and has a low expense ratio of 0.06%, providing a reasonable return relative to its risk profile [6][9] Additional ETF Option - The Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF is mentioned as another option, yielding 2.39% and focusing on large-cap companies [6]

Core Insights - Investors often feel they must choose between high yields and growth, but Vanguard offers ETFs that provide both dividends and growth potential [1] Group 1: Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF - The Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF has a yield of 1.6% and an annualized return of 13% over the past 10 years [4] - The fund holds over 300 large-cap stocks, with top holdings including Broadcom, Microsoft, and Apple, which have yields below 1% [6] - The ETF allocates more than 20% of its capital to financial stocks, contributing to its growth rates, while also including higher-yielding stocks like JPMorgan Chase and ExxonMobil [7] Group 2: Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF - The Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF has over 500 holdings and emphasizes financial stocks, which make up 21% of its assets, compared to 18% for tech stocks [8] - This fund has a yield of 2.5% and a low expense ratio of 0.06%, with large-cap value stocks comprising half of its total assets [10] - The fund's focus on sectors like healthcare, consumer staples, and industrials contributes to its higher yield compared to the Dividend Appreciation Index Fund [10] Group 3: Investment Strategy and Benefits - Both ETFs are suitable for investors seeking cash flow and long-term appreciation, offering a more stable investment approach compared to growth stocks [11] - For example, a $10,000 investment in the Dividend Appreciation Index Fund yields $160 annually, while the same amount in the High Dividend Yield Index Fund yields $250 [12] - Building a significant position, such as $1 million, could generate $41,000 in annual dividend income, highlighting the benefits of compounding over time [13]

Core Insights - The article discusses the importance of generating steady income through investments for retirement, highlighting various ETFs that can provide higher yields and potential upside compared to the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF [1][2]. Group 1: Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF (VIG) - VIG tracks the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, investing in 337 stocks with a history of increasing dividends for at least 10 years, featuring a low expense ratio of 0.05% and a quarterly dividend yield of 1.59% [3][4]. - The fund's largest sector allocation is in information technology (27.30%), followed by financials (22.20%) and healthcare (15.20%), with top holdings including Broadcom, Microsoft, and Apple [4]. - VIG has achieved an average annual return of 12.83% over the past decade, with a cumulative 3-year return of 54.60% and a 5-year return of 89.46%, making it a strong performer in the market [5]. Group 2: Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF (VYM) - VYM focuses on high dividend yield stocks, holding 566 stocks for greater diversification, which may dilute returns but also reduce volatility, making it suitable for retirees [6][7]. - The fund offers a higher yield of 2.47% compared to VIG, with a lower concentration in technology stocks [7]. Group 3: JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI) - JEPI employs covered call options to generate a dividend yield of 7.24% with monthly distributions, providing an alternative income strategy for retirees [7].

Core Viewpoint - The Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF offers a competitive yield of 2.5%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's average of 1.2%, making it an attractive option for dividend-focused investors [1][2][5]. Group 1: Fund Characteristics - The ETF holds nearly 600 stocks, providing substantial diversification and reducing the risk associated with individual stocks [1][6]. - The fund's top holdings include well-known dividend stocks such as Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie, and ExxonMobil, with no single stock exceeding 2% of the total holdings, except for Broadcom, which accounts for nearly 7% [6][7]. - The ETF has a low expense ratio of 0.06%, meaning minimal fees on investments, which enhances overall returns [9]. Group 2: Performance Metrics - Over the past decade, the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF has appreciated by 118%, with total returns including dividends reaching nearly 200% [10]. - In comparison, the S&P 500 has increased by 230%, with total returns exceeding 290% when dividends are included [10]. - A $10,000 investment in the S&P 500 would have grown to over $39,000, while the same investment in the Vanguard fund would be worth approximately $30,000, excluding fees [11]. Group 3: Investment Strategy - The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF is positioned as a solid investment for those seeking dividend income or a diversified portfolio [12]. - It is recommended as a foundational investment for portfolios due to its strong yield and quality stock holdings [12].