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Today's Featured Story
3 Low-Volatility ETFs for Peace of Mind in Turbulent TimesBy Nathan Reiff. Posted: 4/13/2026.
Key Points
- ETFs aiming for low volatility can take multiple approaches, including screening for stocks that are less susceptible to market turbulence or focusing on bonds.
- LVHI is a rare low-volatility fund that has a strong track record of performance YTD on top of a healthy dividend yield of around 4%.
- JEPI's overlayed options approach on top of a low-volatility S&P 500 stock strategy has caused its dividend yield to soar above 8%.
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Amid uncertainty about the future trajectory of the war in Iran, the possibility of a continued ceasefire, and the potential implications for oil prices—and the market more broadly—many investors are understandably seeking stability. In volatile times, it can make sense to consider exchange-traded funds (ETFs) designed specifically for lower volatility. In calmer markets or during a bull run, investors often avoid low-volatility ETFs except as a defensive allocation, since these funds are designed to move less than the broader market and can lag during strong rallies. However, they can preserve gains and limit losses when turbulence threatens to erase long-term returns. LVHI Offers Both a Strong Dividend and Defense Against VolatilityThe Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (BATS: LVHI) tracks an index of equities chosen for a combination of high dividends, steady earnings, and low volatility. The portfolio typically contains roughly 50 to 150 stocks, allowing flexibility as companies move in and out of the screening criteria.
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LVHI is notable for focusing exclusively on stocks in developed markets outside the United States, offering investors international diversification. Many of its top holdings—for example, energy giant Shell PLC (NYSE: SHEL) and pharmaceutical leader Novartis (NYSE: NVS)—may already be familiar to many investors. Despite its low-volatility mandate, LVHI has delivered an impressive return so far in 2026, gaining nearly 12% year-to-date (YTD). Its 4.1% dividend yield complements its focus on high-yield names, offering a blend of income and downside mitigation. The fund's expense ratio is 0.40%. A Combination of Low-Volatility S&P Names and Call Options for IncomeThe JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (NYSEARCA: JEPI) pursues a different twofold approach: it selects lower-volatility stocks and overlays a covered-call options strategy to generate monthly distributions. The options overlay can limit upside participation if holdings rally, but it helps produce steady income. JEPI is actively managed, and its 0.35% annual fee is competitive for that structure. The fund has achieved a dividend yield of 8.3%, reflecting the effectiveness of its income strategy. Its portfolio includes more than 100 names drawn from the S&P 500, which makes the yield notable compared with other equity-focused dividend funds. Given its income focus, JEPI doesn't have a long history of large capital appreciation. Still, it has outperformed the S&P 500 YTD, with a gain just under 1%. A Middle-of-the-Road Approach to Balancing Bond Yields and RiskFor investors looking to avoid equities entirely, intermediate-term Treasurys can offer a different way to reduce volatility. The iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ: IEF) invests in Treasury securities with maturities in the intermediate term, striking a balance between yield and interest-rate sensitivity. IEF currently offers a dividend yield of 3.8% and carries a modest expense ratio of 0.15%. Interest-rate risk is separate from market volatility but closely related; short-term market swings may not immediately translate into changes in interest rates. IEF's mix of yield and risk may appeal to many investors, but individual risk tolerance matters. Those seeking to further minimize interest-rate sensitivity might consider shorter-term Treasurys. For the same annual fee, the iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ: SHY) is one alternative, and its dividend yield currently sits around 3.7%. |
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