Core Viewpoint - There are still attractive investment opportunities in dividend stocks, particularly in international markets, despite the S&P 500 reaching new highs [1][2]. Group 1: Investment Opportunities - The Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) is highlighted as a strong option for dividend investors, even though its shares are near all-time highs [2]. - This ETF tracks an index of international stocks that pay above-average dividends, with a low expense ratio of 0.17% [3]. - The fund provides broad exposure to over 1,500 stocks from both emerging and developed markets, with no single stock exceeding 1.8% of the portfolio [4]. Group 2: Performance Metrics - The average stock in the VYMI portfolio trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 13.5, with an average earnings growth rate of 12.8% annually [7]. - In comparison, the U.S.-focused Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) has a P/E ratio of over 20 and a slower earnings growth rate of 11.6% [7]. - The current dividend yield for the Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF is approximately 3%, making it a potential addition for diversification and income [7].

Core Insights - Dividend stocks provide a portion of profits back to shareholders, typically on a quarterly basis, and dividend ETFs bundle these stocks into a single investment [1][2] Group 1: Vanguard Dividend ETFs - The Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) includes 337 stocks from companies with a history of increasing dividends, paying approximately $0.86 per share in early October [3][4] - The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) focuses on high dividend yield stocks, with a recent quarterly payment of around $0.84 per share and contains 566 holdings, offering greater diversification [7][8] - The Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) targets international stocks with potential for above-average dividends, with quarterly payments fluctuating between $0.60 and $1.07 per share this year [11][15] Group 2: Performance Metrics - The Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF has achieved an average annual return of 12.83% over the last 10 years, slightly above the market's historic average of 10% [6] - The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF has an average annual return of 10.93% over the same period, indicating a marginal difference in performance compared to VIG [10] - The International High Dividend Yield ETF's dividend payments have shown greater fluctuations, reflecting the volatility associated with international markets [15][16] Group 3: Investment Strategy - Investing in dividend ETFs allows for exposure to a diversified range of dividend-paying stocks, potentially building a passive income stream worth thousands of dollars annually [17]