Prefer to view this content on our website? Click here.
Three High-Yielding Funds for 2026
If you’re thinking about retirement, nearing retirement, or already in it, the investing conversation eventually becomes less about “how fast can I grow this?” and more about “how reliably can this pay me?”
That’s why income-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) remain one of the most practical tools in a long-term portfolio. They can deliver diversification, lower single-stock risk, and—depending on the structure—steady cash distributions that help smooth out market volatility.
That said, not all “high yield” is created equal. Some funds chase the highest payouts and end up holding lower-quality businesses. Others rely on options strategies that can boost income but cap upside during sharp rallies. The key is building an income plan that balances three objectives:
-
Cash flow you can use
-
Quality exposure you can hold through drawdowns
-
A reasonable path for long-term growth to keep up with inflation
Below are three income-oriented funds that can work together—each playing a different role in an income portfolio.
Company: JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (SYM: JEPQ)
High monthly income with a growth tilt
One of the most compelling income ETFs in the market is the JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (SYM: JEPQ)—particularly for investors who want meaningful cash flow without abandoning large-cap growth entirely.
JEPQ is designed to generate income through a combination of (1) holding a portfolio of large-cap growth stocks and (2) collecting option premium, with the stated goal of delivering a monthly income stream from “option premiums and stock dividends.”
As of December 31, 2025, JEPQ’s fact sheet listed:
-
Gross and net expenses: 0.35%
-
Value of investments: $32.49B
-
30-day SEC yield: 11.58%
-
12-month rolling dividend yield: 11.17%
That yield profile is exactly why income-focused investors pay attention. However, it’s important to understand why it can be so high: an options-based income strategy can generate substantial premium in volatile markets—but distributions can fluctuate, and upside participation can be reduced during powerful bull runs.
Why investors like JEPQ
-
Monthly income can be easier to plan around than quarterly distributions (especially for retirees managing recurring bills).
-
Large-cap growth exposure means you’re not solely depending on utilities, REITs, or high-yield financials for cash flow.
-
The fund’s profile is explicitly designed to capture a “significant portion” of Nasdaq-100-type returns with less volatility.
What to watch
-
Capped upside risk: selling calls can limit gains if the Nasdaq surges.
-
Distribution variability: the payout may change as option premiums and market conditions change.
-
Tax considerations: option-related income and distribution character can be complex (and not always “qualified dividend” income). If this is held in a taxable account, it’s worth reviewing your tax situation carefully.
Bottom line: JEPQ can be a strong “income engine” sleeve for 2026—particularly for investors comfortable trading some upside for consistent cash generation.
Equiscreen
VWAV is Emerging as a Defense-AI Disruptor
VisionWave Holdings (NASDAQ: VWAV) is carving out a differentiated position in the defense-technology landscape by combining AI-driven sensing, RF imaging, and autonomous decision-making into a single, edge-ready platform.
Unlike cloud-dependent AI models, VWAV’s Evolved Intelligence™ architecture is designed for real-time operation in contested environments, enabling autonomous drones, ground vehicles, and radar systems to detect, classify, and respond without constant human oversight.
This capability has already been validated through live-fire tests, Tier-1 defense pilots, and international evaluations—placing VisionWave ahead of many early-stage defense startups still confined to demonstrations.
Discover why VWAV is positioning itself to become a key player in the next generation of autonomous defense and security technology
Company: Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (SYM: VYMI)
Global income diversification at low cost
If you’re relying primarily on U.S. stocks for retirement income, adding international dividend exposure can reduce concentration risk. That’s where Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) comes in.
VYMI is built to track an international high-dividend benchmark and, as of September 30, 2025, the fund reported:
That “1,500+ holdings” point matters. It means your income stream is spread across a wide base of international companies—helpful when any single region or sector faces turbulence.
VYMI’s top holdings as of the same reporting set included global blue chips like HSBC, Roche, Novartis, Nestlé, Shell, Royal Bank of Canada, and Toyota.
Why investors like VYMI
-
Geographic diversification: reduces dependence on the U.S. economic cycle.
-
Breadth: 1,500+ holdings can reduce single-stock dividend risk.
-
Low cost: 0.17% is efficient for international equity exposure.
Dividend expectations
VYMI’s yield will move around with global dividend cycles and currency effects. Recently cited trailing yield figures are around the mid-3% range, and the fund has paid regular quarterly distributions (for example, a $0.9385 distribution with a Dec. 23, 2025 payment date, following a $0.7001 distribution paid Sep. 23, 2025).
What to watch
-
Currency and country risk: foreign exchange moves can affect U.S.-dollar returns.
-
Withholding taxes: some international dividends may be withheld at the source (this varies by country and account type).
-
Sector tilts: international high-dividend indexes can lean more heavily into sectors like financials.
Bottom line: VYMI can be a reliable quarterly income diversifier—an effective complement to U.S.-centric dividend strategies.
AlphaShark
What Big Money Does Before the Market Moves
Most traders watch price charts.
Professional traders watch activity.
Andrew Keene — a former CBOE floor trader — tracks unusual options activity that often appears before major stock moves.
Now, he reveals exactly what he’s seeing and how he trades it — live, each morning as the market opens.
Behind The Markets rarely shares live trading rooms.
But Andrew’s real-time approach, transparency, and long-term consistency made this one worth opening up.
For one week, you can watch him trade live — completely free starting TODAY!
Free Trial Starts Today! Join NOW! We're going live at 9:30AM EST.
Company: Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (SYM: VIG)
Dividend growth to protect purchasing power
High yield can be attractive, but retirees also face a quieter threat: inflation. Even modest inflation compounds over time, which is why dividend growth is often just as important as dividend yield.
That’s where Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (SYM: VIG) stands out. VIG focuses on companies with a record of consistently increasing dividends and combines that approach with an exceptionally low fee structure.
From Vanguard’s summary prospectus (dated May 29, 2025), VIG’s total annual fund operating expenses are 0.05%.
VIG’s fact sheet also lists:
-
Dividend schedule: Quarterly
-
Fund total net assets: $115,149 million (as of Sep. 30, 2025)
-
Number of stocks: 337
It also holds many household names—companies that tend to have durable cash flows and the capacity to raise dividends across cycles. Top holdings listed include Broadcom, Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, Apple, Eli Lilly, Visa, Exxon Mobil, Mastercard, Oracle, and Walmart.
Why investors like VIG
-
Dividend growth focus: potentially supports rising income over time.
-
Quality tilt: dividend growers often have stronger balance sheets and steadier profitability.
-
Ultra-low fee: 0.05% helps preserve long-term compounding.
What to watch
Bottom line: VIG can serve as the “core quality” anchor—a long-duration holding designed to keep your income stream growing.
De-Dollarize News
Dollar Reset Detected: January 26 May Freeze Your Freedom
The control grid is live.
Banks are replacing compliance staff with AI.
Refunds are frozen in limbo.
The Fed’s independence is cracking.
When systems tighten, access disappears first.
Blocked transactions.
Frozen accounts.
Denied withdrawals.
This is how digital control rolls out — quietly.
If you’re an American saver with $105k or more, this briefing was written for you.
Get the FREE Briefing While You Still Can
Are there any other income-focused funds you swear by? What other sectors of the market are you currently interested in? Hit "reply" to this email and let us know your thoughts!
