What You May Have Missed This Week...

In addition to the regular posts here on Substack, I also publish ETF research and notes over on my blog, ETF Focus.

In case you wanted to catch up on the latest research above and beyond what you’re reading here, this is a quick list of some of the most recent articles from the blog!

My 3 Picks for Dividend Growth ETFs

Don’t ignore the growth! Many investors look at a dividend yield vs. a treasury yield and conclude that dividend investing stinks these days. Investors can’t forget that dividend stocks have the potential to grow their dividend, leading to a larger distribution to investors over time.

Here’s my top 3 picks for dividend growth ETFs in the US…

Why SCHD's Bad 2023 Performance Isn't the End of the World

So, the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) had a bad year in 2023. Big deal. Before you go making rash decisions and panic-sell, let's talk about recency bias and prospect theory. If those terms sound alien to you, it's about time you learned some behavioral economics.

The Truth About VYM and Other High Yield Dividend ETFs

Remember VYM and VIG? I've analyzed them head-to-head in the past, suggesting a "buy both" approach. The rationale was clear: despite some overlap, the two provided a diversified portfolio, kept costs in check, and, most importantly, gave investors a straightforward solution to analysis paralysis. That's why I rolled up my sleeves and delved deeper into VYM and similar high dividend yield ETFs. I wasn't just looking for performance metrics, but the underlying reasons and the potential hidden value that might be overlooked. Here's what I found.

A Simple, Cheap 2-ETF Couch Potato Portfolio for The Laziest of Investors

If you find yourself incessantly tinkering with your investments or are simply overwhelmed by the complex world of finance, this article might just be the antidote you've been seeking. Previously, I unveiled my dividend-oriented couch potato game plan that revolved around two ETFs: the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and the iShares Aaa - A Rated Corporate Bond ETF (QLTA). While this pairing was a dream for those keen on dividends, it inadvertently excluded investors who don’t have a penchant for dividend-focused ETFs.

The Bogleheads, an online community inspired by Vanguard founder John Bogle's investment philosophy, have championed a similar approach using Vanguard ETFs, namely the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) and the Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND). However, a fresh take on a classic portfolio never hurt anyone. Here's how it works and why I like it.

Lovely, Lavish Luxury: Three New Luxury ETFs

Over the course of the summer, three new luxury ETFs have emerged into the exchange-traded fund ecosystem. These ETFs serve to invest in companies that operate within the luxury industry, whether that be in car-making, service or goods—think Ferrari, Hilton, Prada etc. In this article, I take a deeper dive into the thesis behind investing in the Luxury space. I will also dissect the three new ETFs that have emerged, and lastly, provide a ranking as to which one I think is best.

What Treasury Bear Market? ETF Investors Are Betting Hard On A Rebound!

Treasury yields have been soaring, particularly on the long end of the curve where the 10-year yield now stands at its highest level in 16 years. The broader government bond market, which measures security prices across all durations, hasn’t done nearly as poorly, but it’s also down year-to-date. Treasury bills, on the other hand, have been steady risers.

It would be reasonable to assume that investors have been running for the exits. In the ETF market, not only has that not happened, it’s the exact opposite! Investors have been moving INTO long-term Treasuries!

Three Mistakes Dividend ETFs Investors Commonly Make and How to Avoid Them

Achieving a successful dividend investment strategy involves far more than just selecting the right fund. Behind every investment strategy, there is a human making decisions, which means behavioral factors often come into play. These subjective elements can sometimes make or break the outcome, no matter how sound the numbers and fundamentals seem. From yield-chasing to overweight single stocks, these errors can be detrimental to your long-term financial goals.

Aptus Enhanced Yield ETF Offers "Juicy" Income

Aptly named, JUCY is the Aptus Enhanced Yield ETF (JUCY), launched late last year in the throes of rate hikes from the Fed. When rates are rising, risk-free bonds become an increasingly attractive investment as they should, they provide a higher rate of return with essentially no risk (as their name states).

To counter this, ETFs have become more creative in how they are adding value and providing opportunities for investors to achieve excess returns. JUCY is one of these unique actively-managed strategy ETFs. JUCY’s strategy is a two-pronged approach…

QQQY: The First ETF to Trade 0DTE Options is Here

Before September 14, 2023, if you heard someone talking about Zero Days to Expiry (0DTE) options, your mind probably conjured images of frenetic Adderall-fueled zoomers on the infamous r/WallStreetBets subreddit. But in the middle of this high-stakes circus, a question lingered: "Who's on the smart end of these reckless trades?" Well, if you're among those who have been eagerly waiting to capitalize on the speculative whims of WallStreetBets idiots, your moment has arrived.