Why Invest in Dividend Funds?
Stocks or funds that distribute dividends provide a regular stream of payouts, which typically occur quarterly. This consistency makes dividend funds a good option for retired investors. However, people of all ages can benefit from them. You can also choose to reinvest the dividends. This system is sometimes referred to as a “Dividend Reinvestment Plan” or “DRIP.” The reinvested dividends are used to purchase additional shares in the investment from which they come.
Top 10 Dividend Funds
All of these funds from Vanguard and Fidelity are low-cost funds with no load fees. Each fund has a slightly different style. You may want a global investment or a fund with a specific focus. Here are 10 of the best dividend funds for nearly any investor:
1. Vanguard International High Dividend Yield Index (VIHAX)
A passively managed fund that tracks the FTSE AW ex-U.S. High Dividend Yield Index. This index consists of 800 stocks of international companies expected to deliver above-average dividend yields. VIHAX provides the opportunity to invest in both developed and emerging economies outside the United States, and the fund’s style is large-cap value. The minimum initial investment to buy VIHAX is $3,000, and the expense ratio is 0.28% or $28 per $10,000 invested.
2. Vanguard High Dividend Index (VHYAX)
Suitable for investors seeking income. The portfolio mainly consists of large-cap U.S. stocks that pay relatively high dividends. As of May 2021, the expense ratio for VHYAX is 0.08%, which is $8 per $10,000 invested. The minimum initial purchase is $3,000. VYM is the ETF equivalent and can be opened at the price of one share.
3. Vanguard Utilities Index (VUIAX)
The Vanguard Utilities Index focuses on stocks in the utilities sector. The stock portfolio consists of large-cap U.S. utility companies such as Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) and Southern Company (SO). As of May 2021, the expense ratio for VUIAX is 0.10%, which is $10 per $10,000 invested. However, this mutual fund is only offered in the Vanguard Admiral class and requires an initial purchase of at least $100,000. There are no purchase limits for the ETF version of the fund, which trades under the symbol VPU and has the same expense ratio.
4. Vanguard High-Yield Corporate Fund (VWEHX)
The Vanguard High-Yield Corporate Fund is an actively managed fund. You will not find an ETF version of this fund. High-yield bond funds typically contain bonds with lower credit quality, also known as “junk bonds.” The manager of this fund seeks bonds in the upper range of credit quality compared to the average high-yield bond funds. Thus, you can achieve yield without taking on significant risk compared to other high-yield bond funds. As of May 2021, the expense ratio for VWEHX is 0.23%, or $23 per $10,000 invested. The minimum initial purchase is $3,000.
5. Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund (VWAHX)
The Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund is a mutual fund that can provide income while generating low or no taxes. Since it contains municipal bonds, the income is not subject to federal tax. Buyers of tax-exempt bond funds are often high-income individuals with taxable accounts. As of May 2021, the expense ratio for VWAHX is 0.23%, or $23 per $10,000 invested. The minimum initial purchase is $3,000.
6.
Vanguard Real Estate Index (VGSLX)
The Vanguard Real Estate Index fund is a good way for investors to get exposure to the real estate sector, which is known for its stable dividend distributions. VGSLX is considered one of the top funds to buy in this sector. High interest rates can weaken the returns on real estate investments (REITs). A low-interest rate environment can keep borrowing costs low for home buyers and developers. Since these shares are Admiral shares, the minimum purchase required is $3,000. The expense ratio for VGSLX is 0.12% as of May 2021. An ETF fund trades under the symbol VNQ with an expense ratio of 0.12% for a single share.
7. Fidelity Equity Income (FEQIX)
The Fidelity Equity Income fund is a good fund that performs at an average level but provides above-average returns. The fund primarily holds large-cap U.S. stocks. As of May 2021, the expense ratio for FEQIX is 0.6%. There is no minimum investment requirement.
8. Fidelity Equity Dividend Income (FEQTX)
The Fidelity Equity Dividend Income fund usually does not top its peers in the category in terms of performance. However, it is considered reliable in generating income through dividends. The portfolio distributions consist of about 85% U.S. stocks, 12% foreign stocks, and 2% cash and net other assets. The presence of small-cap stocks along with large-cap stocks gives FEQTX a degree of aggressive edge. As of May 2021, the expense ratio for FEQTX is low at 0.6%. There is no minimum initial purchase requirement.
9. Fidelity Strategic Dividend & Income (FSDIX)
The Fidelity Strategic Dividend & Income fund is considered one of the best dividend funds in Fidelity’s lineup. The portfolio consists of approximately two-thirds large-cap U.S. stocks. The remainder of the assets is allocated among foreign stocks, bonds, cash, and convertible securities. As of May 2021, the expense ratio for FSDIX is low at 0.7%. There is no minimum initial purchase requirement.
10. Fidelity Capital & Income (FAGIX)
The Fidelity Capital & Income fund is a balanced fund. It offers diversification and combines growth and income objectives. As of May 2021, FAGIX’s portfolio consists of approximately 20% stocks, 66% bonds, 11% cash, and 3% bank debt. Its top holdings include Ally Financial, Caesars Entertainment, and Bank of America. The expense ratio stands at 0.67%.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a good distribution for a dividend fund?
To get an idea of the average distribution rate of stocks, you can look at the major stock indexes and see what kind of distributions they offer. SPY, which is an ETF tracking the S&P 500, has an SEC yield of about 1.2%. DIA, which tracks the Dow Jones Industrial Average, has an SEC yield of about 1.57%. Therefore, any distribution above those rates can be considered an above-average distribution.
How do costs affect the net distribution yield of mutual funds?
Costs are deducted from distribution payments
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/best-dividend-funds-for-all-stages-of-your-investing-life-4151955
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