Finance
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Choose the Best Dividend Exchange-Traded Funds?

Geri Terzo
Geri Terzo

Dividends are a generous way for businesses to reward investors when times are good. One way to take advantage of this income is to buy into dividend exchange-traded funds, which are a type of mutual fund that trade similarly to another market index. To select the best opportunity, you should evaluate the amount of risk you can handle in relation to the return you are seeking.

Certain dividend exchange-traded funds invest solely in businesses that adhere to a business model that is focused on tax advantages. Companies that are dependent on qualifying for federal benefits must generally follow strict guidelines set by a financial regulator. One of these common characteristics is to distribute a large portion of immediate profits to investors in the form of dividends. Subsequently, ETFs that are designed to invest in companies focused on tax incentives often reap attractive returns for investors. As long as the businesses included in a tax-friendly index fund are earning income, ETF investors are likely to be rewarded.

Exchange-traded funds offer a diversified portfolio.
Exchange-traded funds offer a diversified portfolio.

If you are a more conservative investor, you might seek dividend exchange-traded funds that have a history of producing consistent distributions. You might be sacrificing some of the more substantial returns but the risk in selecting these portfolios is similarly subdued. Typically, a safer investment could be uncovered in those portfolios that seek industry-leading companies that have already achieved profitability.

Personal preference and financial goals also play into choosing the best dividend exchange-traded funds.
Personal preference and financial goals also play into choosing the best dividend exchange-traded funds.

Many of these companies produce slower growth because they have already attained a certain size. Some bellwether, or trendy, stocks have paid ongoing dividends for decades. In some cases, businesses increase the size of the payout without interruption for years. By selecting dividend exchange-traded funds that are comprised of leaders, you are likely to add some stability to your financial exposure.

The best dividend exchange-traded funds could be defined by the way that the index portfolio is comprised. Some ETFs could give equal billing to each of the securities that qualify for the portfolio. Others could allow the stock performance of one company to be more influential than another based on the size of the dividend distribution that each member makes. Selecting the best investment based on the way the fund is comprised is likely to come down to performance and which type is producing the greatest profits.

Personal preference and financial goals also play into choosing the best dividend exchange-traded funds. Some ETFs, for instance, distribute additional equity shares as the primary form of payment. Others use cash. The best portfolio could be one that buys only stocks that pay one form of dividends over another.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Exchange-traded funds offer a diversified portfolio.
      By: xy
      Exchange-traded funds offer a diversified portfolio.
    • Personal preference and financial goals also play into choosing the best dividend exchange-traded funds.
      By: leungchopan
      Personal preference and financial goals also play into choosing the best dividend exchange-traded funds.