5 Dividend ETFs Beating the S&P 500 This Year

Five dividend ETFs -- DFJ, SCHD, FDL, HDV and EYLD -- have outpaced SPY in 2026 as investors rotate toward quality income plays.

Zacks Investment Research • Feb 20, 2026

DFJ: More JPY Depreciation Benefit To Large Caps

The WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund ETF faces heightened FX risk due to its domestic exposure and limited benefit from yen depreciation. DFJ's sector allocation leans toward domestic demand relative to large-cap indices, making it vulnerable for foreign investors if fiscal stimulus fails to spur Japanese consumer spending. Financial sector exposure in DFJ introduces additional risk, given Japan's fiscal position and potential negative feedback loops with government debt.

Seeking Alpha • Feb 10, 2026

DFJ: Japanese Dividend Stocks Remain Attractive As Political Uncertainty Fades

The WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund ETF is off to a strong start in 2026 as investors rotate into cheaper small-cap stocks. While DFJ holdings' valuations are not as low as they were back in 2025, I estimate that the valuation discount remains sufficient for further outperformance relative to the S&P 500. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has won a landslide victory, but faces the difficult task of balancing fiscal stimulus and the need to keep government bond yields in check.

Seeking Alpha • Feb 9, 2026

Buffett Indicator Turns Red: Time for High-Momentum Value ETFs?

Buffett indicator at record highs flags risk. These high-momentum, lower-P/E ETFs -- DEM, DFJ, BUSA, DFNL, DGT -- may offer value cushions.

Zacks Investment Research • Jan 7, 2026

Is WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend ETF (DFJ) a Strong ETF Right Now?

A smart beta exchange traded fund, the WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend ETF (DFJ) debuted on 06/16/2006, and offers broad exposure to the Asia-Pacific (Developed) ETFs category of the market.

Zacks Investment Research • Jan 5, 2026

Nikkei 225 Struggles As Momentum Fades Ahead Of BOJ Decision

Nikkei 225 struggles below 50,000 as upside momentum fades. Daily RSI drifts into neutral territory, signaling consolidation.

Seeking Alpha • Dec 17, 2025

Nikkei 225 Slips As BOJ Hike Bets Surge Ahead Of December Meeting

The Nikkei 225 falls to 49,303 as rate-hike odds for December 19 approach 80%. Electronics, pharma, and industrials lead declines as liquidity expectations tighten.

Seeking Alpha • Dec 2, 2025

DFJ: Dividend Growth And A Play On The Japanese Yen Strengthening In Value

The WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund ETF invests in Japanese stocks paying a dividend, principally with a market capitalization below $2 billion. The ETF is heavily overweight in cyclical sectors, which partially explains its attractive trailing earnings yield of about 8.15%. The IMF only sees Japanese GDP growth at 0.6% in 2026, although this may increase thanks to fiscal stimulus, boosting DFJ's cyclical holdings.

Seeking Alpha • Nov 24, 2025

Nikkei 225 Extends Rally As Japan Export Strength And Tech Gains Lift Sentiment

Nikkei closes at 51,063, extending gains for a second session. Manufacturing confidence hits a four-year high as exports strengthen.

Seeking Alpha • Nov 12, 2025

Why We Still Like Japan In Global Stocks

Solid growth and ongoing shareholder-friendly reforms are driving Japanese equity gains, keeping us overweight. We see the AI theme playing out globally.

Seeking Alpha • Sep 29, 2025