Search for Income Should Include International Markets

The article argues that U.S. dividend yields are near multi-decade lows, making international income exposure more attractive. It highlights the ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) as a vehicle that targets high-dividend stocks across developed ex-U.S. markets while avoiding excessive yield traps. IDOG’s 3.41% distribution is described as more than triple the S&P 500’s yield, yet still moderate enough to suggest underlying holdings are not distressed. The fund’s portfolio is heavily tilted toward Europe, especially France, with additional exposure to Japan, where dividend growth has been improving. The piece emphasizes that the S&P 500’s low yield reinforces the case for global diversification for income investors.