High Dividend ETFs Are Outperforming

The strength in high dividend-paying stocks has been unconventional since these types of investments usually do poorly in a rising interest rate environment. Rates typically go up in an expanding economy, and investors would usually forgo steady bond-esque stocks in favor of companies that would deliver higher returns.

Moreover, the dividend-paying strategy is also taking off due to the large exposure to the energy sector, which has been enjoying a stellar start to the year on the surging crude oil prices.