How to Use $15,000 in a High-Yield Dividend ETF for Steady Passive Income

This ETF has it all, a strong portfolio of dividend payers, along with a high yield for investors.

| More on:

Looking for a way to generate a steady income stream? One strategy is to consider investing in a high-yield dividend exchange-traded fund (ETF). These ETFs hold a collection of stocks that are known for paying out higher-than-average dividends. One such option for Canadian investors is the Global X Canadian High Dividend Index Corporate Class ETF (TSX:HXH). If you had around $15,000 to invest, HXH could be a worthwhile addition to a well-rounded investment portfolio.

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund

Source: Getty Images

About the ETF

HXH aims to track the performance of the Solactive Canadian High Dividend Yield Index (Total Return), after taking out expenses. This index is designed to measure how Canadian-listed stocks with high dividend yields are performing overall. As of writing, the net asset value (NAV) of HXH was $52.22 per unit, and its market price was $53. Over the past year, this ETF has provided a total return of 11%, and that includes any dividends reinvested.

One of the really nice things about HXH is that it offers a diversified portfolio. When you invest in this ETF, you’re getting exposure to about 40 different Canadian companies or Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) – ones expected to have high dividend yields. To make sure things aren’t too concentrated, HXH limits how much of the ETF’s holdings can be in any single stock or industry group. The current holdings span across sectors like energy, financial services, and various other industries. This helps to spread out the risk within the portfolio. This way, you’re not too heavily reliant on the performance of just one company or sector.

How it works

Now, it’s important to note one key thing about HXH. The ETF doesn’t currently pay out regular cash distributions to its unit holders. Instead, any dividends that the underlying companies in the ETF pay out are automatically reinvested back into the ETF. This approach is designed to help boost the total return of the ETF over time. So, if you’re looking for a regular monthly or quarterly income payment, HXH might not be the best fit for you right now. However, if you’re more focused on the overall growth of your investment and are comfortable with the idea of dividends being reinvested for returns, then this could be a good option.

In terms of costs, HXH has a management expense ratio (MER) of just 0.11%. This is quite low, which is good news for investors because it means that a larger portion of your investment is working for you. That’s rather than going towards covering the ETF’s operating expenses. A low MER can really add up over the long term.

If you were to invest $15,000 Canadian dollars in HXH, it could provide a solid base for a passive income strategy focused on total return. Even though you wouldn’t be receiving regular cash payouts, the fact that dividends are reinvested means that your initial investment has the potential to grow over time, as seen by the 11% total return over the past year. This suggests that HXH can offer steady growth for your investment in the long run.

Bottom line

In conclusion, the HXH offers an opportunity for Canadian investors to gain exposure to a diverse basket of high dividend-paying Canadian stocks – one with a focus on maximizing total return through dividend reinvestment. Its well-diversified portfolio, low management fees, and solid past performance make it a compelling choice for a $15,000 investment. Especially one aimed at building steady passive income over time, even if that income isn’t received as regular cash distributions right now. As always, it’s a good idea to do your own research to make sure this investment aligns with your personal financial goals and risk tolerance.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

woman considering the future
Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian Stocks That Look Cheap for a Reason (And Why That’s OK)

These three TSX stocks look cheap for real reasons, but each has a credible “getting better” path if the bad…

Read more »

man looks surprised at investment growth
Dividend Stocks

Is Telus Stock Worth Buying at Its Current Price?

TELUS is a plausible candidate for a multi-year turnaround. Here's what you need to know.

Read more »

man in bowtie poses with abacus
Dividend Stocks

The Dividend Stocks I’d Feel Most Confident Buying and Never Selling

Three Canadian dividend stocks stand out as reliable long‑term buy-and-hold picks for investors seeking durable income and stability.

Read more »

oil pumps at sunset
Dividend Stocks

3 Safer TSX Stocks to Buy as Oil Breaks $100 Again

The U.S.-Iran war is escalating, sending oil prices higher. Here's where to find safer investments on the TSX.

Read more »

Retirees sip their morning coffee outside.
Tech Stocks

2 Technology Stocks With the Kind of Potential That Could Make Millionaires

Two tech stocks with impressive growth trajectories amid elevated volatility are potential millionaire-makers.

Read more »

Train cars pass over trestle bridge in the mountains
Dividend Stocks

Why the Market May Be too Quick to Write Off These Railway and Telecom Stocks

Discover why the railway and telecom markets are experiencing significant declines and what it means for investors and value growth.

Read more »

a man celebrates his good fortune with a disco ball and confetti
Dividend Stocks

Where Will Enbridge Stock Be in 3 Years?

Enbridge stock has raised its dividend for 31 straight years. With a $39B project backlog and 5% growth ahead, here's…

Read more »

A plant grows from coins.
Dividend Stocks

2 Canadian Dividend Stocks Yielding 4% That Appear to Have the Goods to Back It Up

These Canadian dividend stocks are dependable investments, offer attractive yield of over 4%, and are backed by solid businesses.

Read more »