What can one year of real-world results tell us about a high-income ETF?NIHI, the NEOS MSCI EAFE High Income ETF, has now been operating for one year, giving income investors a chance to look beyond the backtest and see how the strategy has actually performed.To break down NIHI’s first year, I’m joined by Troy Cates from NEOS Investments to discuss the strategy, international diversification, total returns, distributions, taxes, risk, and what investors can learn from the ETF’s first year in the real world.In this interview, we cover:• The original investment thesis behind NIHI and the problem it was designed to solve for income investors• Why international exposure can be an important part of an income portfolio• How Troy would characterize NIHI’s first year and what surprised him• Distribution yield vs. actual economic return and why income investors need to understand the difference• NIHI’s first-year total return and the benchmarks investors should use for comparison• What NIHI’s distributions looked like from a tax perspective• What the first year revealed about volatility, drawdowns and risk that backtesting couldn't fully capture• The biggest opportunities and risks heading into NIHI’s second yearOne of the biggest lessons for income investors is that a high distribution doesn't automatically equal a high total return. After one year of live results, we can start to examine how NIHI’s income strategy has actually translated into returns, distributions, risk, and taxes.If you own NIHI, are considering international income exposure, or simply want to better understand how to evaluate high-income ETFs after they launch, this conversation should give you plenty to think about.

Want to start dividend investing but don't know where to begin? Or maybe you already have a portfolio and want to transition toward dividend income without creating a massive tax bill?That's exactly what we're tackling in this episode of the Dividend Stockpile.I'm joined by Jenny Harrington, CEO and Portfolio Manager at Gilman Hill Asset Management, where she manages the firm's Equity Income Strategy. Jenny specializes in dividend income investing, making her the perfect person to help answer these questions.We walk through the process of starting or transitioning to dividend investing, from evaluating individual companies and dividend safety to choosing between dividend ETFs and individual stocks.We also tackle an important listener question from an investor with a 60/40 portfolio containing stock ETFs, individual bonds and bond ETFs with significant long-term capital gains who wants to transition toward a dividend-focused strategy without unnecessarily creating a huge tax bill or taking on too much portfolio risk.In this interview, we discuss:- How to get started with dividend investing step by step- What makes a dividend-paying company a high-quality investment- Dividend growth vs. current dividend yield- How to identify potential dividend traps- Dividend ETFs vs. individual dividend stocks- High-income ETFs such as JEPI and SPYI- How options-income ETFs fit into an income portfolio- How to transition an existing 60/40 portfolio toward dividend investing- Managing significant long-term capital gains during a portfolio transition- Balancing tax efficiency with portfolio risk- Jenny's top advice for investors starting their dividend journeyOne of the biggest mistakes new dividend investors can make is focusing only on the size of the yield. We discuss why dividend sustainability, business quality, growth, valuation and total return all matter when building an income-focused portfolio.Whether you're just starting out, approaching retirement, or trying to transition an existing portfolio toward generating more income, this conversation provides a practical framework for thinking about dividend investing.Jenny's Dividend Investing Book: https://bookshop.org/a/115069/9781804090466Jenny's new book (launching 11/17/26): https://bookshop.org/a/115069/9781804095287

Are dividend investors heading into a perfect storm, or a golden opportunity?That’s the question we’re tackling in this episode of Dividend Stockpile.I’m joined by Jeff Weniger, Chief Investment Strategist at Corgi Invest, to take a big-picture look at the economy and markets and, more importantly, what all of it could mean for dividend and income investors.We discuss interest rates, inflation, government debt, oil and energy, the U.S. consumer, the K-shaped economy, and the potential rotation from growth and AI stocks toward value and dividend-paying companies.With fixed-income yields significantly higher than they were just a few years ago, dividend investors also have more choices when it comes to generating portfolio income. So where are the opportunities and where are the risks?In this interview, we discuss:- The current U.S. economic and market environment from a dividend investor's perspective- The risks investors may be underestimating- Inflation, interest rates and government debt- How higher fixed-income yields change the opportunity for dividend stocks- The current oil and energy environment- How dividend investors can position for higher or lower oil prices- The health of the U.S. consumer- The impact of the K-shaped economy on different sectors- Why companies like PepsiCo, Campbell's and Target are facing challenges- Recent dividend cuts and weaker forecasts from consumer companies- Whether consumer defensive stocks face a longer-term headwind- The potential rotation from AI and big tech toward value and dividend stocks- Whether the recent strength in dividend ETFs like SCHD could become a longer-term trend- What dividend investors might wish they owned more—or less—of five years from nowThis is a wide-ranging conversation about the macro forces that income investors need to be watching right now.

AI may be driving the next wave of technology growth—but all of that AI requires something very basic: power.In this episode of Dividend Stockpile, I’m joined by Parag Sanghani, Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager at Westwood ETFs, to discuss the brand new Westwood Salient Enhanced Power & Infrastructure ETF (PWRX).PWRX is designed to invest in companies positioned to benefit from accelerating power demand driven by AI, manufacturing onshoring, electrification, and next-generation technologies. But unlike a traditional energy ETF, PWRX takes a broader approach across the power and energy ecosystem while also using an options overlay and dividends to pursue income.We discuss:- The investment thesis behind the new PWRX ETF- Why Westwood believes now is the right time to invest in power infrastructure- Why PWRX focuses on the companies powering AI rather than directly investing in AI technology- The growing electricity demand from AI and data centers- AI, onshoring, electrification and next-generation technology as long-term growth drivers- How PWRX provides exposure across the broader energy and power value chain- Fuels, power generation, utilities, grid infrastructure, industrials and renewables- How Westwood's deep energy-investing experience influences the portfolio- Examples of the types of companies PWRX can invest in- How the options overlay works and where options are used in the portfolio- The role of dividends and options premiums in generating potential income- The expected distribution frequency and yield- Where PWRX fits within Westwood's broader ETF lineupThe combination of AI-driven power demand, infrastructure investment and options income makes PWRX an interesting new approach to the growing power and energy opportunity.But as with any thematic investment, investors need to understand the risks, sector concentration, options strategy and potential trade-off between income and capital appreciation.

I’m finally revealing my entire REIT portfolio and I’m letting a REIT expert tell me what I’m doing right… and what I’m doing wrong!Welcome back to Dividend Stockpile. In this episode, I’m joined by David Auerbach from Hoya Capital, one of my favorite REIT experts, for a very different kind of portfolio review.For the first time, I’m disclosing all of my personal REIT holdings and putting them under the microscope.And I’m not just asking David to tell me what he likes. I’m asking for the good, the bad, the risks, potential changes and maybe even a little roasting along the way!We start by discussing David’s current thesis on the REIT sector and why he believes the environment could be interesting for REIT investors.Then we talk about how investors should think about building a diversified REIT portfolio and what factors matter when evaluating REIT quality.After that, we go one REIT at a time through my portfolio.For each holding, we discuss the business, sector, dividend, growth potential, risks, valuation considerations and what David likes, or doesn't like, about the investment.Finally, David gives me his overall assessment of my REIT portfolio and whether there are any changes he would consider making.

The ETF industry has changed dramatically, and 2026 could be an important turning point for investors.In this episode of the Dividend Stockpile Income Investor Education Series, I’m joined by Charlie LaRosa, Managing Director and Head of ETFs at Gabelli Funds, to take a step back from individual funds and look at the state of the ETF industry in 2026.We talk about some of the biggest trends shaping the ETF market right now, including the rapid growth of active ETFs, the continued popularity of passive investing, the explosion of new niche strategies, ETF launches and closures, industry consolidation, and what the future could look like.We also discuss what investors should actually look for when evaluating a new ETF. With so many funds launching every year, how can investors separate innovative strategies from products that may not stand the test of time?In this interview, we discuss:• The current state of the ETF industry in 2026• Why so many new ETFs are launching• The rise of active ETFs• Active vs. passive investing• Is the ETF launch boom sustainable?• Why ETF industry consolidation and M&A may continue• The risks of investing in small or brand-new ETFs• The growth of niche ETFs, including options, buffer and alternative strategies• What makes a successful ETF launch• How investors should evaluate a new ETF• Where the ETF industry could be headed over the next 5–10 years• Trends investors should be watching right nowIf you're an income investor, dividend investor, or simply use ETFs in your portfolio, this is a great conversation for understanding where the ETF industry is heading and what that could mean for investors.

🎉 TDAQ TURNS ONE!It’s been one year since TappAlpha launched TDAQ, and now we’re looking back at the ETF’s first year, what the team has learned, and what could be ahead.In this interview, I’m joined by Si Katara from TappAlpha ETFs to celebrate the one-year anniversary of TDAQ and take a closer look at how the strategy has performed through different market conditions.We discuss:- The story behind TDAQ's first year- What TappAlpha has learned since launch- How the ETF's income strategy has performed- TDAQ's approach to generating income while maintaining market exposure- What worked—and what surprised the team- How TDAQ compares with other income-focused ETFs- Changes or improvements TappAlpha has made along the way- What investors should understand about the strategy todayOne year is an important milestone for any new ETF, but it also provides an opportunity to step back and see how the strategy has actually behaved in the real world.Happy 1st birthday, TDAQ! 🎂If you're interested in TDAQ, income ETFs, options income, dividend investing, and generating portfolio income, this is a great look at the strategy after its first full year.www.TappAlphaFunds.comIMPORTANT: This video is for informational and educational purposes only and is not investment advice. Always do your own research before investing.

The AI boom is creating massive demand for memory and storage—but this industry has historically been one of the most cyclical areas of technology. So has AI fundamentally changed the memory and storage business, or are we simply in another cycle?In this interview, I’m joined again by Mike Khouw, Strategist at YieldMax, to discuss the brand new YieldMax® Memory and Storage Portfolio Option Income ETF (YRAM) and how YieldMax is looking to turn the volatility of this sector into an opportunity for income investors.We discuss:- Why AI could fundamentally change the memory and storage industry- The biggest long-term catalysts for memory and storage- What the market may be getting right and wrong about the sector- How U.S. debt, tariffs, and trade disputes could impact technology and the broader market- Why memory and storage stocks may be attractive for an options income strategy- How YRAM is designed to navigate the sector's significant volatility, particularly around earnings- Why YieldMax uses call spreads instead of traditional covered calls in YRAM and other ETFs- YRAM's anticipated distribution, frequency, yield, and tax considerations- Mike's biggest bull case and biggest risks for the memory and storage industry over the next 3–5 yearsFor income investors, YRAM is an interesting combination of a highly cyclical technology sector and an options-based income strategy. But as with any high-income investment, understanding where the distributions come from, how the options strategy works, and what happens to NAV over time is critical.What do you think about YRAM? Is the AI-driven demand for memory and storage creating a fundamentally different industry, or are we simply in another memory cycle?Let me know in the comments!

Fixed income is back, and there may be more opportunity for income investors than just buying traditional bonds.In this interview, I’m joined by Jeff Klingelhofer from Aristotle Pacific Capital to discuss the current fixed income environment and the firm's new ETF lineup: ARCP, ARMS, and SDUR.Aristotle Pacific Capital has nearly 20 years of experience managing fixed income through closed-end funds, mutual funds, and separately managed accounts. Now, they're bringing their active fixed income strategies to the ETF market.We discuss why fixed income is becoming increasingly attractive for income investors, how the current interest-rate environment is affecting bond markets, and why active management may have an important role to play in fixed income.In this interview, we cover:Why Aristotle Pacific Capital decided to launch ETFsHow the firm approaches fixed income investingWhy investors should consider bonds alongside dividend stocksHow interest rates and Treasury market developments are affecting fixed incomeThe investment focus of ARCP, ARMS, and SDURHow active management can potentially add value in fixed incomeThe investment process behind each ETFExpected yields and duration for the three fundsHow these ETFs could fit into an income-focused portfolioTime Stamps:00:00 Intro to Aristotle Pacific Capital00:32 Welcome to our guest, Jeff Klingelhofer00:50 Discussing Aristotle Pacific Capital's 20 plus year history02:40 Why is Aristotle Pacific rolling out ETFs now in addition to the existing product line?05:35 Aristotle Pacific's unique approach to fixed income09:45 Why is fixed income investing worth considering today?12:50 Active vs. Passive management in fixed income15:43 Breakdown of the three new fixed income ETFs from Aristotle Pacific - SDUR, ARMS, and ARCP17:05 SDUR - Short Term Income ETF18:10 ARCP - Core Plus Income ETF19:34 ARMS - Multi-sector Income ETF20:49 Expense ratios and payout frequency 21:40 Why investors should consider fixed income now22:37 Where to get more info on these ETFs and Aristotle Pacific?23:07 WrapFor income investors, the return of meaningful yields in fixed income creates an important question: Should bonds play a larger role in your income portfolio?Jeff shares his perspective on where he sees opportunities in the bond market and how investors can think about incorporating active fixed income strategies into their portfolios.IMPORTANT: This video is for informational and educational purposes only and is not investment advice. Always do your own research before investing.

How do you actually profit from the profits of great companies?In this interview, I’m joined by David Bahnsen, Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of The Bahnsen Group, to discuss the philosophy behind dividend growth investing and why he believes investors should focus on the profits being generated by the businesses they own, not simply on what happens to their stock prices.David is the author of the new book Profit from the Profit: The Past, Present & Future of Dividend Growth Investing, which makes the case for dividend growth not simply as an income strategy, but as an entire investment philosophy.In this conversation, we discuss:Why dividend growth investing is about more than generating incomeHow investors can “profit from the profit” of the companies they ownWhy returning capital to shareholders mattersThe difference between profiting from business fundamentals and relying on stock-price movementsWhy dividend growth isn't just for retireesHow to identify companies capable of sustainably growing their dividendsWhy dividend growth can help investors maintain a long-term ownership mindsetHow to think about dividends versus buybacks and reinvestmentWhy David believes dividend growth remains relevant in today's marketThe philosophy behind The Bahnsen Group's dividend growth strategyWhat investors can learn from Profit from the ProfitDavid's philosophy centers on endogenous returns, the returns generated by the underlying businesses themselves, rather than relying primarily on changes in investor sentiment or market multiples.If you're interested in dividend growth investing, dividend stocks, passive income, long-term wealth building, and creating a growing stream of portfolio income, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.IMPORTANT: This video is for informational and educational purposes only and is not investment advice. Always do your own research before investing.