Dividend Stocks Keep Crushing The Market As AI Concerns Mount

Dividend ETFs like SCHD, FDL, and HDV are outperforming AI and SaaS stocks as investors favor moderate-yielding dividend payers over high-growth tech names.

Seeking Alpha • Feb 21, 2026

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

Undisruptable: How Dividend Stocks Became Market Leaders - And Why That Scares Me

Dividend stocks and defensive sectors have dramatically outperformed as investors flee AI-vulnerable and AI-spending industries, but valuations now appear stretched. Consumer staples and energy sectors trade at historically high forward P/E multiples, often exceeding the S&P 500, despite lower long-term earnings growth prospects. Materials and industrials have also become extended, with valuations reflecting significant future earnings already priced in, especially given AI infrastructure spending.

Seeking Alpha • Feb 14, 2026

Revenge Of The Dividend Stocks

Dividend stocks have sharply outperformed AI-related tech stocks since November 2025, reversing a multi-year trend. I see the rally in dividend ETFs like SCHD as overextended, prompting a pause in new purchases despite recent gains. AI is likely to benefit users more than makers, with sectors like banks, energy, and consumer staples positioned as early winners.

Seeking Alpha • Feb 7, 2026

Should First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders ETF (FDL) Be on Your Investing Radar?

The First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders ETF (FDL) was launched on March 9, 2006, and is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to offer broad exposure to the Large Cap Value segment of the US equity market.

Zacks Investment Research • Jan 29, 2026

Morningstar's Dividend ETF Is Kind of Perfect for Retirees Right Now

When retirement income depends on dividends that actually arrive, sector concentration stops being a flaw and starts looking like conviction.

24/7 Wall Street • Jan 9, 2026

FDL: Gets The Job Done, But Underwhelming Against Peer Dividend ETFs (Downgrade)

First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund ETF is downgraded to hold due to persistent underperformance versus peers. FDL offers a 4% starting yield and solid dividend growth, but its lack of technology exposure limits total and dividend growth returns. With 88 concentrated holdings, FDL's top ten positions comprise nearly 57% of assets, emphasizing sector bets and management selection.

Seeking Alpha • Jan 5, 2026

FDL: A 4% Yield, Low P/E, And Broadening Market Tailwinds

First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index ETF (FDL) earns a buy rating, offering a compelling blend of value and yield for dividend-focused investors. FDL trades at a low 11.53x P/E with a 4.00% trailing yield, significantly outpacing the S&P 500 on income generation. Portfolio is heavily overweight Energy (27%), notably Exxon Mobil, creating sector concentration risk but also upside potential amid recent momentum.

Seeking Alpha • Jan 5, 2026

Diversifying Dividends: Sketching Out My Battle Plan For 2026

I plan to diversify my REIT-heavy portfolio by systematically allocating to four dividend-focused ETFs in 2026. US economic growth remains steady but subdued, while equity valuations are elevated, suggesting muted long-term returns. REITs appear attractively valued with fading headwinds, offering plausible outperformance as fundamentals improve and rate cuts loom.

Seeking Alpha • Dec 13, 2025

5 High-Dividend ETFs to Earn Current Income

Market looks overheated? Earn stable income with high-dividend ETFs?

Zacks Investment Research • Nov 25, 2025