Looking to turbocharge the income potential of your investment portfolio? Dividend-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) may be just what you need.
ETFs themselves are relative youngsters in the investing world, having emerged in the 1990s. But their low costs, diversity, and stock-like trading have quickly made them a hit with investors.
While ETFs run the spectrum of strategies and goals, dividend ETFs have one aim: deliver regular cash payouts to investors.
They do this by holding baskets of dividend-paying stocks and passing on the steady income.
Intrigued by the income potential? Here’s a guide on dividend ETFs and a look at some top options for UK investors:
Table of Contents
Dividend ETF Investing 101
Dividend ETFs provide instant diversification across many dividend-paying stocks. This gives exposure to regular payouts and dividend growth potential.
Like regular ETFs, dividend ETFs trade on exchanges just like stocks. So you can buy and sell them easily during market hours.
While not risk-free, dividend ETFs tend to see less volatile price swings than ETFs focused solely on growth. The dividends help cushion market ups and downs.
10 Best Dividend ETFs
Dividend-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provide investors with diversified baskets of income-generating assets.
By distributing dividends across many holdings, these funds offer stable payouts along with mitigated risk.
For investors seeking ample cash flow, the following ETFs offer sizable dividend yields from well-managed, quality portfolios:
1. FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund (QDF)
With total assets of $1.8 billion, QDF tracks the Northern Trust Quality Dividend Index which screens for stable, high-quality companies with long track records of paying dividends.
Top holdings cover sectors like consumer staples, healthcare, utilities, and real estate. Strict quality criteria produce a portfolio primed for reliable dividends.
The fund has maintained an annual dividend yield consistently around 3% over the past 5 years. QDF’s expense ratio of 0.37% is quite low for an actively managed fund, keeping costs down.
2. Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD)
SCHD follows a rules-based Dow Jones index methodology that screens for U.S. companies with solid balance sheets and consistent cash flows to identify the top 100 dividend payers.
With $32 billion in total assets, this large-cap portfolio maintains diverse sector exposure. SCHD has consistently delivered dividend yields averaging approximately 3.5% annually over the past decade.
The fund stands out with an extremely low expense ratio of just 0.06%, making it a very cost-effective choice.
3. Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM)
With over $45 billion in assets, VYM tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, comprising more than 400 stocks with above-average yields.
The passively managed portfolio follows a straightforward market-cap-weighted methodology for accessibility and diversification across sectors.
Holdings must have strong balance sheets and the capacity to sustain dividends. The fund has maintained an annual dividend yield of around 3% over the past 5 years. VYM’s minimal expense ratio of 0.06% enhances its appeal as an income vehicle.
4. JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI)
Unlike broad market ETFs, JEPI utilises a proprietary options trading collar strategy to generate high monthly income. By selling call options and buying puts,
JEPI establishes built-in downside buffers along with steady cash flow. This innovative options approach provides equity exposure with enhanced income and lower volatility.
With $7.5 billion in assets, JEPI has consistently delivered dividend yields above 7% annually. Its 0.35% expense ratio is very reasonable given the advanced active options management.
5. Global X SuperDividend ETF (SDIV)
SDIV focuses on a concentrated basket of 100 very high dividend-paying stocks from around the globe. To qualify, companies must exhibit consistent dividend histories along with the capacity to sustain payouts.
Massive diversification across sectors and countries makes SDIV a true one-stop income shop. Top holdings hail from the US, China, Australia and beyond.
The fund has maintained double-digit distribution yields exceeding 9% annually over the past 5 years. SDIV’s 0.58% expense ratio is cost-effective given the global scope.
6. ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG)
With $1.3 billion in assets, SDOG offers a unique “dividend dogs” strategy targeting the five highest-yielding stocks in each sector – essentially the top dogs.
This approach provides exposure to robust dividend payers in every corner of the market. Holdings are equal-weighted by sector, offering increased diversification. Maintaining sector dividends has produced strong total annual yields over 4% consistently.
SDOG’s expense ratio of 0.40% makes this dividend dogs strategy affordable.
7. iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF (PFF)
As a hybrid income/fixed income fund, PFF focuses on preferred stocks which offer bond-like dividends with equity upside. The $22 billion fund provides exposure to a diverse basket of preferreds across sectors like financials, utilities, and telecoms.
Companies utilise preferred shares to raise capital while investors benefit from high, stable payouts. PFF has maintained yields around 5% annually, richer than common stocks but lower than bonds.
With an expense ratio of 0.46%, PFF brings preferred diversification to portfolios.
8. WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund (DEM)
For investors comfortable with higher risk, DEM offers access to emerging market dividend payers. The $4.7 billion fund screens for quality companies from Asia, Latin America, Africa and beyond.
In addition to diversification benefits, emerging markets provide substantial growth opportunities. DEM has delivered dividend yields averaging over 6% annually over the past 5 years. The 0.63% expense ratio is quite reasonable for active emerging markets exposure.
9. SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD)
As a passive index fund, SPYD tracks high dividend-yielding companies from the S&P 500 benchmark. Sticking to well-known US large caps provides stability alongside generous income.
With $8.6 billion in assets, SPYD offers cost-effective access to blue-chip dividend payers like AT&T, Valero, and IBM. The fund has maintained dividend yields fluctuating around 4% annually over the past 5 years.
SPYD carries a rock-bottom expense ratio of 0.07%.
10. Invesco KBW Premium Yield Equity REIT ETF (KBWY)
For real estate sector exposure, KBWY focuses on small and mid-cap US real estate investment trusts (REITs). REITs own income-generating properties and pay 90% of taxable income as dividends.
KBWY differentiates itself by targeting smaller REITs with escalating dividends and cheap valuations. Concentration in specialised niches like casinos, prisons, and data centers amplify cash flows.
KBWY has maintained massive dividend yields consistently above 8% annually.
For UK investors seeking income, dividend ETFs can provide a cost-effective, diversified way to generate cash flow.
Consider adding one or more of the top names above to your portfolio mix.
What You Need to Know Before Investing in ETFs
Thinking of adding dividend ETFs to your portfolio for income? Smart move. But before taking the plunge, there are some key factors to consider:
Understand the Sectors
Dividend ETFs cover a variety of market sectors. It’s important to align the ETF sectors with your risk tolerance and goals.
For example, financial and energy sector ETFs often boast juicy yields. However, dividends can fluctuate with market conditions. Non-cyclical sectors like consumer staples may offer more stable payouts.
Also, note geographic exposure. Many dividend ETFs focus on the UK market. However, some provide global or international stock exposure.
Passive vs. Active Management
Dividend ETFs come in both actively and passively managed flavors. Actively managed ETFs typically have slightly higher fees, as managers constantly monitor and adjust holdings.
Passively managed ETFs simply track an index, with lower fees but less oversight.
Neither is inherently better. But understand how each operates and the potential impact on expenses and performance.
Number of Holdings
Dividend ETFs hold anywhere from 30 to 2,000+ individual stocks. The more holdings, the greater the diversification and protection if a few stocks cut dividends. But you also get smaller exposure to each holding.
For dividends, it’s wise to avoid ETFs with fewer than 30 stocks. But large, diversified ETFs with holdings in the hundreds or thousands also offer safety.
Dividends Aren’t Assured
The dividend yields on ETFs can look enticingly high. But remember payouts rely on the underlying stocks continuing to pay dividends.
Check an ETF’s history of dividend stability. But always be aware dividends could potentially be reduced or suspended during market downturns.
Are Dividend ETFs Worth It?
Dividend ETFs can certainly be worth it for the right investor seeking regular income.
Here are some key pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Provide instant diversification across many dividend-paying stocks, bonds, or assets. This mitigates risk compared to picking individual securities.
- Deliver stable dividend income on a steady schedule, usually monthly or quarterly. Creating reliable cash flow is a major benefit.
- Require minimal effort through a set-it-and-forget-it methodology. Passive dividend funds are easy to own.
- Offer transparency with published holdings, management strategies, and fees.
- Some dividend ETFs feature high distribution yields of 5% or more annually.
Cons:
- Dividends are not guaranteed and depend on underlying holdings making payments.
- Dividend ETFs do carry expense ratios that chip away at total returns.
- Income investors sacrifice some growth potential compared to total market funds.
- Portfolios can be weighted towards certain sectors.
- Foreign dividend ETFs add currency and geopolitical risks.
Overall, dividend ETFs can provide appealing income streams for investors who value cash flow. They serve as income-generating assets within a diversified portfolio.
But the strategy may underperform growth-focused funds over time. As with any investment, understanding your needs and doing research is key.
Final Thoughts
When vetting dividend ETFs, consider how the factors above align with your investing style, risk tolerance, and income needs. Focus on established ETFs with diversified holdings and a history of steady payouts.
Dividends always carry some uncertainty. However, the right dividend ETF can provide a stable income stream along with portfolio diversification.
FAQs
Which UK ETF pays the highest dividend?
ETFs known for higher dividends include funds that focus on sectors like utilities, real estate, and energy. Funds such as the iShares UK Dividend ETF have historically been geared towards high dividend yields. However, it’s essential to conduct your own research or consult a financial advisor, as dividend yields can change and depend on various factors.