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This Week's Featured Content
3 Low-Volatility ETFs for Peace of Mind in Turbulent TimesReported by Nathan Reiff. Published: 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%.
- Special Report: Elon’s “Hidden” Company
Amid uncertainty about the trajectory of the war in Iran, the possibility of a ceasefire, and the potential effects on oil prices and the broader market, many investors are understandably seeking stability. In volatile times, it can make sense to consider exchange-traded funds (ETFs) designed specifically for lower volatility. Under normal circumstances—especially during a bull market—investors often avoid low-volatility ETFs except as a defensive play. Because these funds are designed to move less than the broader market, they can lag when markets rally. But they can protect gains and outperform when turbulence threatens to erode returns built over time. LVHI Offers Both a Strong Dividend and Defense Against VolatilityThe Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (BATS: LVHI) tracks an index of stocks selected for their combination of high dividends, steady earnings and low volatility. The portfolio size is flexible—typically ranging from about 50 to 150 stocks—allowing the fund to adjust holdings as market conditions and screening metrics change.
The Wall Street Journal is already raising the alarm about a potential market crash, and Weiss Ratings research points to the first half of 2026 as a particularly rough stretch for certain holdings.
Some of America's most popular stocks could take serious damage as a radical market shift plays out. Analysts at Weiss Ratings have identified five names you may want to remove from your portfolio before this unfolds.
If any of these are in your portfolio, now is the time to review your positions. See the 5 stocks to avoid
LVHI focuses exclusively on developed-market stocks outside the United States, offering diversification for investors overweight U.S. equities. Some of the top holdings, such as energy giant Shell PLC (NYSE: SHEL) and pharmaceutical leader Novartis (NYSE: NVS), will be familiar to many investors. Despite its low-volatility mandate, LVHI has performed well in 2026, gaining almost 12% year-to-date (YTD). Its 4.1% dividend yield provides an income component alongside potential capital preservation. The fund carries an expense ratio of 0.40%. A Combination of Low-Volatility S&P Names and Call Options for IncomeThe JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (NYSEARCA: JEPI) takes a two-fold approach: it selects relatively low-volatility S&P 500 names and overlays a covered-call options strategy to generate monthly distributions. Those call overlays can cap upside in a rally, but they help produce steady income—an explicit priority for this fund. As an actively managed ETF, JEPI's 0.35% expense ratio is competitive. The fund has delivered a strong dividend yield of 8.3%, reflecting the effectiveness of its options strategy. Its portfolio includes more than 100 names drawn from the S&P 500, which helps explain the fund's appeal relative to other equity income strategies. Given its income focus, JEPI is not aimed at maximizing long-term capital appreciation. Nonetheless, it has outperformed the S&P 500 year-to-date, posting a gain of just under 1%. A Middle-of-the-Road Approach to Balancing Bond Yields and RiskFor investors who prefer to avoid equities during uncertain markets, Treasurys can offer a lower-volatility alternative. The iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ: IEF) holds intermediate-term U.S. Treasurys—a segment that balances interest-rate sensitivity and yield. This positioning translates to a dividend yield of about 3.8% with a low expense ratio of 0.15%. Interest-rate risk is related to market volatility, though short-term price swings may not immediately reflect rate expectations. IEF's risk/yield profile can be attractive for many investors. Those seeking even lower interest-rate sensitivity might prefer shorter-duration Treasurys, such as the iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ: SHY). For the same annual fee, SHY focuses on the 1–3 year part of the curve and yields roughly 3.7%, giving up only a bit of yield for lower duration risk. |
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