Assets that pay high dividends are al the rage these days and have become a popular choice. Investors often favor high dividend yields to minimize the risk, stabilize the portfolio and create a revenue stream. A dividend ETF i.e. exchange trading fund is one that will mirror a dividend stock index which seeks to give higher returns through investment in high paying dividend securities. An ETF is a fund which will invest in companies that have high dividends.

What is a high dividend ETF?
The workings of a high dividend ETF is different in comparison to other investments. In order to invest in high dividend yield ETFs, it is vital to know the differences between them.

• A dividend ETF comprises of stocks that pay dividend and also tracks a dividend index. The stocks in the index of a fund are chosen through their dividend yield.
• There are a few types of ETFs which have a general strategy which will cover the market completely or in segments. These dividends are managed such that they track a set index which includes companies that come with a strong history of the increase in dividends and firms that carry low risk.
• A dividend ETF is recommended to stock investors who are risk-averse and who seek more income.

How are dividends paid?

• Just like stocks or mutual funds, the dividend will be credited to your brokerage account. However, there is a percentage of the high dividend yield ETF that is again invested back in the dividends. In mutual funds, if you want to buy more shares with the dividend, you can do so without having to pay any brokerage fee. In this case, you can purchase more shares without having to shell out on brokerage fee.
• However, when it comes to a dividend ETF, you will not be buying more shares in the stock as it is a pre-packaged deal. You will instead buy more ETF shares. But at the same time, there is still the brokerage fee that you will have to deal with again.

How are high dividend yield ETFs taxed?
Before making any investments, the most vital thing to do is learn about the tax rates. When it comes to ETF, the dividends are taxed. But, the tax rate depends on whether the dividend is unqualified or qualified. A qualified dividend is one that meets fixed criteria. An example of that would be the duration for which the asset has been held.

On the other hand, a dividend that is unqualified is one that the government does not take into account as a true dividend. These include the following:

• Interest from credit unions
• Dividends on short-term mutual funds
• Dividends in your IRA
• Dividends on money market accounts
• Dividends from REITs

These types of dividends are taxed on the regular tax rate.

What are the advantages of a High Dividend ETF?
There are several reasons for you to consider investing in a high dividend ETF:

• They are a dependable source of revenue stream.
• They are considered safer in comparison to other investments.
• They are more diverse in nature.
• They are stable and low risk.
• They help hedge the inflation.

While choosing your high dividend yield ETF, it is important to pick the one that is performing well and is dependable. Often, there are companies that might choose to cut or even eliminate their dividends. The best way to go about it is by choosing stock which has certainly been paying the dividends for a longer time and is stable in their yield.

How to choose a high yield dividend ETF?
There are a lot of factors that you need to take into account while investing in a dividend ETF.

• You need to consider your financial stability, goals, and risk tolerance. You need to do a thorough research when it comes to any kind of investment. This may include a mutual fund, a company stock, an index or an ETF.
• You need to do this for both short and long-term investments. You need to be diligent in monitoring how your funds are reacting to the changes in the market conditions.

You can always contact a financial advisor, a stockbroker or any professional in the industry if you have questions regarding high yield ETFs or any kind of stocks.