Exchange-traded funds offer a convenient way to invest in sectors or niches that interest you. If you'd like to fill your portfolio with some solid dividend-paying stocks from around the world, the First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund ETF
The basics
ETFs often sport lower expense ratios than their mutual fund cousins. The First Trust ETF's expense ratio -- its annual fee -- is 0.60%. The fund is fairly small, too, so if you're thinking of buying, beware of occasionally large spreads between its bid and ask prices. Consider using a limit order if you want to buy in.
This ETF has performed rather well, beating its benchmark handily over the past three years. Still, it's also very young, with just a few years on the books. As with most investments, of course, we can't expect outstanding performances in every quarter or year. Investors with conviction need to wait for their holdings to deliver.
With a low turnover rate of 22%, this fund isn't frantically and frequently rejiggering its holdings, as many funds do.
What's in it?
Plenty of global dividend payers had strong performances over the past year. U.S.-based CenterPoint Energy
Other companies didn't do as well last year, but could see their fortunes change in the coming years. CenturyLink
Sinking 8% over the past year, TE Connectivity
France Telecom
The big picture
A well-chosen ETF can grant you instant diversification across any industry or group of companies -- and make investing in and profiting from it that much easier.
If these dividends don't whet your whistle sufficiently, see which ones our analysts recommend in our special free report, "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks."