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9 'Boring' Dividend Funds That Could Quietly Grow Your Wealth

Boring dividend funds can be core building blocks for long-term portfolios looking to generate income and compounding returns.

By Adam Palasciano

Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated Feb. 24, 2026

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Dividend investing rarely feels exciting, but that's often the point. While growth stocks chase headlines, dividend funds aim to deliver consistent income and compounding returns over time. For anyone looking to start investing with a long-term mindset, these funds can offer a calmer ride through market cycles. Their appeal comes from reliability, diversification, and the power of reinvested dividends working quietly in the background.

Below are nine dividend-focused funds that may not be flashy, but have historically helped investors build wealth steadily.

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Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG)

The Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF tracks U.S. companies in sectors such as information technology and finance. Over the past decade, it has delivered an average annual return of roughly 13.6%, according to Vanguard fund data, and it currently carries an annual dividend yield of about 1.1%.

Its strength lies in focusing on financially disciplined companies rather than high yields alone.

That approach can help reduce volatility, since companies that consistently raise dividends tend to have stable earnings and strong balance sheets.

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Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD)

The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF holds established U.S. companies in sectors such as health care and energy. Its 10-year average annual return has been approximately 12.7% based on Schwab's published performance history, and the fund currently offers an annual dividend yield of around 3.35%.

This fund is often favored for its combination of income reliability and low expense ratios.

Its screening process also emphasizes cash flow sustainability, which can help support dividends during economic slowdowns.

Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM)

The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF focuses on large U.S. companies in sectors such as finance, technology, health care, industrials, and consumer staples. Over the last decade, it has produced an average annual return of about 12.1%, with a current dividend yield of approximately 1.7%.

It appeals to investors who prioritize income without concentrating too heavily in one sector.

The fund's broad diversification helps reduce reliance on any single industry to support its income stream.

iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO)

The iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF tracks companies focused heavily on industries such as energy and health care. Its 10-year annualized return has hovered around 13.1%, according to iShares data, and it currently yields about 2% annually.

The fund emphasizes balance between income growth and long-term capital appreciation.

This makes DGRO a potential fit for investors who want rising income over time without sacrificing diversification.

Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI)

The Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF provides exposure to nearly the entire U.S. equity market, including many dividend-paying companies. Over the past decade, it has delivered an average annual return of about 15.1%, with an annual dividend yield of roughly 0.8%.

While not a pure dividend fund, its diversification and reinvested income can quietly compound over time. For long-term investors, dividends reinvested within a broad market fund can meaningfully contribute to total returns.

SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY)

The SPDR S&P Dividend ETF tracks companies primarily in industrials, consumer staples, and utilities. Its 10-year average annual return has been roughly 10.75%, and it currently pays an annual dividend yield of around 2.4%.

This fund emphasizes durability and dividend discipline across multiple market cycles.

That long dividend history can be especially appealing to investors seeking income stability during periods of market uncertainty.

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iShares Select Dividend ETF (DVY)

The iShares Select Dividend ETF focuses on U.S. companies with strong dividend histories and cash flow metrics. Over the last decade, it has posted an average annual return near 10.4%, while offering a higher annual dividend yield of approximately 3.3%.

It tends to attract investors seeking higher income from established firms.

Vanguard Wellington Fund (VWELX)

The Vanguard Wellington Fund is a balanced fund combining dividend-paying stocks and investment-grade bonds. Over the past 10 years, it has delivered an average annual return of about 10.4%, with an attractive dividend yield of around 11.3%.

Its conservative structure makes it appealing to investors focused on stability and income.

The bond allocation can help cushion equity market swings while still providing consistent income potential.

ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL)

The ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF tracks companies that have raised dividends for at least 25 consecutive years. Its 10-year average annual return has been about 10%, and it currently offers an annual dividend yield of about 2%.

The fund's appeal comes from consistency and resilience rather than chasing short-term performance. Companies that meet this strict dividend standard have historically demonstrated the ability to perform across many economic cycles.

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Bottom line

Dividend funds often look boring compared with fast-moving growth stocks, but their real value shows up over time through steady income and compounding. Many of these funds have delivered competitive long-term returns while helping smooth market volatility.

For investors focused on patience, discipline, and income reinvestment, these funds can quietly grow your wealth without demanding constant attention or perfect market timing.

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