Emerging markets, including Brazil and China, pay out 2.7%. The iShares China Large-Cap ETF (NYSEArca: FXI) has a 2.71% 12-month yield and the iShares MSCI Brazil Capped ETF (NYSEArca: EWZ) has a 3.11% 12-month yield.
In contrast, the S&P 500 index shows a dividend yield of 2.36%.
Dividends help investors generated greater total return or cushion declines during down markets. Dividends also offer investors a more attractive alternative to fixed-income assets in a stubbornly low interest rate environment. Additionally, David Ruff, a portfolio manager at Forward Management, argues that dividend payers are more disciplined in how they spend money, which can lead to better performance. [Diversify With Dividend ETFs]
ETF investors interested in dividend-focused stock exposure outside the U.S. have a number of options, including the SPDR S&P International Dividend ETF (NYSEArca: DWX), which has a 6.29% 12-month yield, PowerShares International Dividend Achievers Portfolio (NYSEArca: PID), which has a 3.38% 12-month yield, andiShares International Select Dividend ETF (NYSEArca: IDV), which has a 4.56% 12-month yield. [A High Achieving International Dividend ETF]
For more information on dividends, visit our dividend ETFs category.
Max Chen contributed to this article.