The technology focused exchange traded fund First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend (NYSEArca: TDIV) gives investors dividend income with the exposure to equity growth. This beats the classic bond investment for yield, while offering a portfolio much more.
“The technology stock landscape is changing rapidly. Many large-cap tech mainstays that did not offer dividends for decades are now serving up 2%+ yields. And in an environment where a 10-year note produces a meager 1.75%, this “freebie” is fast becoming a critical component for total return,” Gary Gordon wrote for Seeking Alpha.
Investors that want to mitigate risk in this uncertain market avoid single stock picking and invest in an ETF. The relatively new First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend (NYSEArca: TDIV) actually yields 3% and costs about 0.50%. Currently, TDIV is outperforming the large-cap predecessor SPDR Technology Select Sector Fund (NYSEArca: XLK). The outperformance is due to the exclusion of Apple (NasdaqGM: AAPL) from the index. TDIV has gained 3.3% over the past month, while XLK has been flat. [iShares: Tech ETFs to Access Overseas Growth]
The shift to a sector such as technology for dividend yield is new, as most investors are used to consumer staples and utilities for extra income and a defensive position. Due to the low rate environment that has plagued the markets for over a year now, these sectors are trading at an expensive premium, reports Gordon. [Dividend ETFs: Look Before You Leap]
Technology is the largest sector in the S&P 500, and will continue to be the fastest growing as far as dividends are concerned. TDIV was introduced in August and already has about $50 million in assets under management. Interestingly, TDIV ETF has outperformed Apple over the past three months. [How Diversified are Your ETFs?]