Many investors in 2025 need dependable passive income, and one outstanding way to achieve this is to invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Unlike open-end mutual funds, ETFs trade on major exchanges like stocks. They own financial assets, including stocks, bonds, currencies, debt, futures contracts, and commodities such as gold bars. The more passive income can help cover rising costs, such as mortgages, insurance, taxes, and other expenses, the easier it is for investors to set aside money for future needs as they prepare for or begin retirement. Dependable recurring monthly dividends from quality, high-yield ETFs are a recipe for success.
24/7 Wall St. Key Points:
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Most on Wall Street expect the first Fed funds cut at the September meeting this week.
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High-Yield monthly-pay ETFs and stocks should get a solid boost with a rate cut.
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Passive income ETFs are one of the best ideas for the rest of 2025 and 2026.
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One significant advantage of owning ETFs is that they can be sold at any time when the markets are trading. We screened our 24/7 Wall St. ETF research database and found 6 top funds that have these qualities:
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High dividend monthly payout
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Trades at or at a discount to net asset value
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Major Wall Street firms manage them
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Reasonable expense ratio
Why we recommend monthly income ETFs
A monthly check from your stock portfolio makes sense for most people with bills and expenses due every 30 days, especially in a world where prices are consistently rising. Items such as mortgage payments, rent, utility bills, cell phone and internet bills, trash collection, and even grocery bills are always due each month. A steady stream of passive monthly income can be a huge help in meeting these obligations.
JPMorgan Equity Premium Income (NYSEArca: JEPI)
This massive fund, which is the worlds larget actively managed fund has raised billions since its inception in 2020 and is run by top portfolio managers at JPMorgan. The fund seeks to achieve this objective by:
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Creating an actively managed portfolio of equity securities significantly comprised of those included in the fund’s primary benchmark, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Total Return Index (S&P 500 Index)
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Utilizing equity-linked notes (ELNs), selling call options with exposure to the S&P 500 Index
Dividend yield = 8.38% paid monthly
NAV = $57.14
Expense ratio = 0.35%
JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (NYSEArca: JEPQ)
This is another immensely popular JPMorgan fund that offers a higher yield with more exposure to technology. Up almost 15% since its inception and paying a substantial monthly dividend, this is a great option for those with a higher risk tolerance. The fund seeks to achieve this objective by:
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Creating an actively managed portfolio of equity securities comprised significantly of those included in the fund’s primary benchmark, the Nasdaq-100 Index
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Through equity-linked notes (ELNs), selling call options with exposure to the Benchmark. It is non-diversified
Dividend yield = 9.96% paid monthly
NAV = $55.86
Expense ratio = 0.35%
Global X U.S. Preferred ETF (NYSEArca: PFFD)
This fund focuses on preferred stocks of top U.S. companies. It invests at least 80% of its assets in the securities of its underlying index. It supports at least 80% of its assets in preferred domestic securities, principally traded in or whose revenues are primarily from the U.S. The underlying index tracks the broad-based performance of the U.S. chosen securities market.
Dividend yield = 6.40% paid monthly
NAV = $19.43
Expense Ratio = 0.23%
Global X SuperDividend REIT ETF (NASDAQ: SRET)
This fund offers investors exposure to the real estate sector. At least 80% of its total assets are invested in the securities of the underlying index, and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) are based on these securities. The underlying index tracks the performance of REITs that rank among the highest-yielding REITs globally.
Dividend Yield = 8.52% paid monthly
NAV = $21.64
Expense ratio = 0.58%
iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEArca: MUB)
While yielding much less, this is an ideal fund for investors seeking tax-free income. The underlying index includes municipal bonds, the interest of which is exempt from Federal income taxes and not subject to the alternative minimum tax.
Dividend Yield = 3.17% paid monthly
NAV = $104.22
Expense ratio = 0.05%
Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF (NASDAQ: QYLD)
With a massive dividend paid each month, this fund aims to deliver investment results that generally correspond to the price and yield performance of the CBOE NASDAQ-100 BuyWrite Index. The Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in common stocks included in the Index. It employs a replication strategy to track the Index.
Dividend Yield = 11.14% paid monthly
NAV = $16.68
Expense ratio = 0.60%
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