With geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran creating uncertainty, no one knows how long volatility will persist. That’s forcing investors to shift toward defensive strategies that emphasize stability, income, and diversification over aggressive growth.

Instead of sitting in cash or trying to time the market, investors may find better opportunities in safe ETFs that provide steady exposure to high-quality assets—some of which follow strategies favored by Warren Buffett.

Why Safe ETFs Make Sense in Volatile Markets

During uncertain periods, the priority shifts from maximizing returns to preserving capital and generating consistent income. Safe ETFs offer:

• Broad diversification across sectors
• Exposure to high-quality companies
• Lower costs compared to active funds
• Reliable dividend income in some cases

These characteristics make them ideal tools for navigating unpredictable markets while staying invested.

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO): Broad Market Stability

“Over the years, I’ve often been asked for investment advice,” Buffett wrote in a 2016 shareholder letter. “My regular recommendation has been a low-cost S&P 500 index fund.” With that, Buffett has named the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA: VOO) as one way to invest.

What makes the VOO ETF attractive is that it measures the performance of the S&P 500 and includes both value and growth stocks across multiple sectors. This broad exposure helps reduce risk tied to any single industry. Some of its top holdings include: NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ: NVDA), Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), and Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B), to name a few.

It offers a low-cost way to safely diversify by tracking the biggest companies, making it an ideal “set it and forget it” trade. In addition, with an expense ratio of 0.03%, the ETF also pays a quarterly yield. 

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT): Quality Over Everything

If you follow Warren Buffett, you know he prefers companies with a wide economic moat—businesses that can defend their profits against competitors over long periods.

In fact, if you want to invest in companies attractive to the billionaire, make sure they are:

• Simple companies that are easy to understand
• Companies with predictable and proven earnings
• Companies that can be bought at a reasonable price
• Companies with an “economic moat,” or a unique competitive advantage

With an expense ratio of 0.47%, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (BATS: MOAT) tracks companies with sustainable competitive advantages. That includes names such as Estee Lauder (NYSE: EL), Teradyne (NASDAQ: TER), Boeing (NYSE: BA), Alphabet, Nike (NYSE: NKE), and NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI). These are firms that tend to perform relatively well even during uncertain economic periods.

The MOAT ETF also yields 1.29% and pays a yearly dividend. On December 24, it paid out $1.2675. On December 22, 2023, it paid $0.7285. While the yield is modest, the focus here is on long-term quality and resilience.

Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD): Reliable Income Stream

There’s also the Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (NYSEARCA: SCHD), which tracks the performance of 100 high-yielding dividend stocks selected based on yield and five-year dividend growth rates.

With an expense ratio of 0.06%, the ETF tracks the total return of the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend Index. It also yields 3.37%, about three times the S&P 500’s dividend yield, making it particularly attractive to income-focused investors. Its holdings include Amgen (NYSE: AMGN), AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), Home Depot (NYSE: HD), Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO), Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), Chevron (NYSE: CVX), UPS (NYSE: UPS), and Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO).

Safe ETFs Can Help You Stay Invested

At the end of the day, investing during periods of uncertainty isn’t about trying to perfectly time the market—it’s about positioning yourself to weather the storm while still staying invested. Safe ETFs like VOO, MOAT, and SCHD offer a balanced mix of broad market exposure, high-quality companies, and reliable income, which can help smooth out the ride when volatility spikes.

While no investment is completely risk-free, sticking with diversified, low-cost ETFs and focusing on long-term fundamentals can make a meaningful difference. Instead of reacting emotionally to headlines, investors may be better served by staying disciplined, maintaining perspective, and letting proven strategies work over time.

Dividend Aristocrats are widely considered some of the highest-quality companies in the market. To earn this title, a company must have increased its dividend payouts for at least 25 consecutive years. Dividend Kings take that standard even further. These elite companies have raised their dividends for 50 years or more, proving their resilience across multiple economic cycles.

What makes these companies particularly compelling is their ability to perform in virtually any environment. Whether facing inflation, recessions, rising interest rates, market crashes, or economic booms, they have consistently rewarded shareholders with growing income. That kind of durability is rare—and valuable. It also reflects strong management teams, disciplined capital allocation, and business models built to withstand long-term pressure.

Simply put, if a company can survive decades of economic uncertainty and still pay—and raise—dividends, it deserves attention.

There’s just one drawback: there isn’t currently a dedicated ETF focused solely on Dividend Kings. That means investors looking for exposure must either purchase individual stocks or turn to ETFs that emphasize similar high-quality, dividend-growing companies.

Here are three strong ETF options to consider.

A Pure Play on Dividend Aristocrats

The ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (BATS: NOBL) offers direct exposure to companies that have increased dividends for at least 25 consecutive years.

With an expense ratio of 0.35% and a yield of approximately 2.05%, NOBL tracks the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index. The fund focuses on stable, high-quality businesses with long track records of dividend growth—many of which have been increasing payouts for 40 years or more.

Its holdings include well-known companies such as Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT), Pentair (NYSE: PNR), AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), Aflac (NYSE: AFL), General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), Clorox (NYSE: CLX), Walmart (NASDAQ: WMT), and Hormel Foods (NYSE: HRL).

These companies have demonstrated consistent performance and income reliability, making NOBL a strong choice for conservative, income-focused investors.

Low-Cost Exposure to High-Quality Value Stocks

Another solid option is the Schwab U.S. Large Cap Value ETF (NYSEARCA: SCHV), which focuses on large-cap value stocks.

SCHV stands out for its ultra-low expense ratio of just 0.04%, making it one of the most cost-effective ETFs available. It also offers a yield of about 1.85% and provides exposure to a diversified basket of financially strong companies.

Top holdings include Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM), JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM), Home Depot (NYSE: HD), AbbVie, Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), and Merck & Co. (NYSE: MRK).

High Yield Meets Dividend Growth Discipline

The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSEARCA: SCHD) is another popular choice among income investors. With an expense ratio of 0.06% and a yield of roughly 3.5%, SCHD tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. The ETF focuses on companies with strong fundamentals, sustainable dividends, and a history of consistent payouts.

Its holdings include industry leaders such as Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN), AbbVie, Home Depot, Cisco Systems (NASDAQ; CSCO), Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX), United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS), and The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO).

SCHD is particularly appealing for investors seeking a blend of income, quality, and long-term growth potential.

Dividend ETFs Offer Stability in Any Market

In uncertain markets, stability and income become even more important. Dividend-focused ETFs—especially those emphasizing companies with long histories of growing payouts—can help anchor your portfolio.

These funds don’t just provide income—they offer exposure to businesses that have proven their ability to navigate inflation, recessions, and shifting interest rate environments. That kind of consistency can reduce volatility while still allowing for long-term capital appreciation.

While no ETF is exclusively dedicated to Dividend Kings, funds like NOBL, SCHV, and SCHD give investors access to many of the same high-quality characteristics: strong balance sheets, disciplined management, and shareholder-friendly capital allocation.

For investors looking to balance risk and reward, these ETFs can serve as a core portfolio holding—delivering both reliability and growth potential over time.

We live in a world where investors want instant reaction and, sometimes, hot takes after a company reports earnings. However, as FedEx shows, it’s often prudent to let an earnings report sit for a few days. That’s particularly true of a company that is more than tangentially impacted by geopolitical events as well as a headline-driven U.S. economy.  

For example, on Feb. 18, the day before FedEx reported, FDX stock dropped nearly 3% in the afternoon after remarks from Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell. Not only did the Fed not lower interest rates, but Powell also said the Fed hasn’t ruled out a rate increase. But after the company’s earnings report, FDX stock climbed approximately 4.5% before pulling back, ending the week in sympathy with a broader sell-off in stocks.  

That means as a new trading week starts, FedEx is pretty much back where it started. But where does it go from here? 

Network 2.0 is Progressing 

Interestingly, the idea of where FedEx stock will go from here is based on the company’s progress in efficiently moving packages. At the core of that answer is the company’s Network 2.0 initiative. This is an overhaul of the company’s Ground and Express Networks with the goal of strengthening the company’s competitive position by:  

• Improving pickup and delivery processes 
• Trimming costs 

Network 2.0 is part of FedEx’s broader DRIVE transformation — a multi-year effort to improve the efficiency with which FedEx picks up, transports, and delivers packages in the U.S. and Canada. 

Make no mistake; this is a cost-cutting initiative, but one that’s working. In the company’s fiscal third quarter, it announced that 35% of eligible volume is now routed through approximately 400 Network 2.0 facilities. The company expects over $2 billion in cumulative savings by the end of 2027.  

Revenue Growth Is Coming from the Right Places  

One of the most encouraging elements of FedEx’s Q3 FY26 report was not just that revenue grew, but where that growth came from. Total consolidated revenue reached $24 billion, up 8% year-over-year, but the composition of that growth tells a more interesting story. 

The Federal Express (FEC) segment drove the headline number, posting revenue of $21.2 billion, a 10% increase from the same quarter a year ago. Critically, nearly half of FEC’s revenue growth was driven by B2B services — the same trend seen in the prior quarter — signaling that FedEx is successfully moving up the value chain. 

The company is deliberately targeting high-margin verticals, including healthcare, automotive, data centers, and aerospace. These are part of the company’s deliberate commercial strategy to pursue customers whose shipping needs are complex, time-sensitive, and less price-elastic than standard consumer deliveries. FedEx is also deepening its expertise in healthcare logistics and pharmaceutical distribution, where quality governance and regulatory compliance create real barriers to entry for competitors. 

On the B2C side, FedEx recently launched FedEx Returns+, an AI-powered digital tracking and returns product designed to improve visibility and communication between shippers and end customers. Early U.S. market reaction has been positive, with a planned European rollout in April. This matters because sticky, tech-enabled customer relationships make it harder for shippers to defect to lower-cost alternatives. The combination of high-margin B2B momentum and differentiated B2C tools gives investors a credible path to sustained, quality revenue growth. 

What the Chart Is Telling Us 

The FDX daily chart reflects a stock that has had a strong run but is now navigating a period of consolidation near a technically significant level. After trading mostly sideways through the spring and summer of last year, shares broke out meaningfully in the fall, ultimately reaching highs near the $390 range. That move higher was accompanied by expanding volume and a rising 50-day simple moving average (SMA), both hallmarks of a healthy trending advance. 

Currently, FDX is trading around $358, sitting just above its 50-day SMA of $350. The 50-day SMA is a widely watched level for institutional investors, and the fact that the stock is holding above it, even after pulling back from recent highs, is a modestly constructive sign. However, the MACD tells a more cautious story. The MACD line sits at -3.35, while the signal line is at -0.88, suggesting that near-term momentum has weakened. The histogram, which recently showed a sharp negative spike on elevated volume, points to selling pressure that has not yet fully resolved. 

The most recent volume bar is notably elevated compared to recent sessions, indicating the pullback has attracted attention. Whether that represents capitulation or the beginning of a deeper correction remains to be seen.

For investors watching FDX technically, the 50-day SMA near $350 is the line in the sand. A sustained close below that level would be a yellow flag. Conversely, a move back above $370 on strong volume would suggest the bulls have regained control, and the consolidation phase is ending. 

How the FDX Stock Rally Can Run Out of Energy 

Simply put, rising oil prices are the biggest near-term threat to FedEx. It’s actually a triple threat without many easy solutions. 

A weak consumer is an obvious threat. Consumers have been remarkably resilient despite sticky inflation and interest rates that remain high, when compared to the extended period of near-zero rates that preceded it. However, there are already reports that higher gas prices could effectively erase any tax return benefits Americans get this season. That means higher fuel prices could fuel a goods recession.  

Second, FedEx also faces higher fuel costs. That puts the company in a tricky situation. If they eat the costs, it will come at the expense of earnings. But if they pass the cost along, they risk adding to the burden on consumers. 

The third threat is that if the conflict with Iran becomes protracted, it’s likely to trigger a broader economic slowdown. That means FedEx will see a slowdown from business customers, while consumers feel the pinch of higher fuel prices.  

Investors also shouldn’t dismiss the threat from competition. This goes beyond United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS) and now includes Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), which continues to expand its fleet and could take market share.  

The Bottom Line on FDX 

FedEx is a company in the middle of a genuine transformation, and Q3 FY26 showed that the transformation is producing real results. Network 2.0 is ahead of schedule, margins are expanding at the FEC segment for the sixth straight quarter, and management raised full-year guidance — all against a backdrop of global trade uncertainty and soft LTL demand. 

The stock’s near-term path will depend heavily on macro factors outside FedEx’s control, particularly oil prices and consumer resilience. But for investors with a 12-to-18-month horizon, the risk/reward looks reasonable at current levels, particularly with the 50-day SMA offering a clear technical reference point. Watch the $350 level. If it holds, FDX remains a credible story. 

There are many safe ETFs to choose from. So many, in fact, that it can create analysis paralysis. Don’t let that happen to you. Here are three of the top ETFs to own if stable growth with a reliable yield is your first priority.

Safe ETFs to Buy: The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF

“Over the years, I’ve often been asked for investment advice,” Buffett wrote in a 2016 shareholder letter. “My regular recommendation has been a low-cost S&P 500 index fund.”

With that, Buffett has named the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA: VOO) as one way to invest. What makes the VOO ETF the most attractive is that it measures the performance of the S&P 500 and includes both value stocks and growth stocks from multiple market sectors. In fact, its holdings include some of the most widely held stocks, including Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) and Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B).

It offers a low-cost way to safely diversify by tracking the largest companies, making it an ideal set-it-and-forget-it trade. In addition, with an expense ratio of 0.03%, the ETF also pays a quarterly yield. On December 24, it paid a dividend of just over $1.771. Before that, it paid a dividend of $1.74 on October 1. Before that, it paid a dividend of just over $1.7447 on July 2.

Safe ETFs to Buy: The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF

If you follow Warren Buffett, you know he likes companies with a wide economic moat. In fact, if you want to invest in companies attractive to the billionaire, make sure they are:

• Simple companies that are easy to understand
• Companies with predictable and proven earnings
• Companies that can be bought at a reasonable price
• Companies with “economic moat,” or a unique advantage over their competition.

With an expense ratio of 0.47%, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (BATS: MOAT) tracks the performance of companies with sustainable competitive advantages. That includes Estee Lauder (NYSE: EL), Teradyne (NASDAQ: TER), Boeing (NYSE: BA), Alphabet, Nike (NYSE: NKE), and NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI). 

The MOAT ETF also yields 1.29% and pays a yearly dividend. On December 24, it paid out a dividend of $1.2675. On December 22, 2023, it paid out a dividend of $0.7285.

Safe ETFs to Buy: The Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF

There’s also the Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (NYSEARCA: SCHD), which tracks the performance of 100 high-yielding dividend stocks chosen by yield and five-year dividend growth rates.

With an expense ratio of 0.06%, the ETF tracks the total return of the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend Index. It also yields 3.37%, which is about three times the S&P 500’s dividend yield, and has holdings in names such as: Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN), AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), Home Depot (NYSE: HD), Cisco Systems (NASDAQ; CSCO), Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), Chevron (NYSE: CVX), UPS (NYSE: UPS), and Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO).  Its last dividend of just over 27 cents was paid on December 15. Before that, it paid just over 26 cents on September 29. 

Control What You Can Control

While geopolitical tensions and market volatility may keep investors on edge, the key to long-term success is staying invested in high-quality assets. ETFs like the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF provide diversification, strong underlying companies, and reliable income streams—all qualities that can help weather uncertain markets. 

Instead of trying to time every headline, investors can focus on disciplined, long-term strategies using funds like these to build resilience and stability in their portfolios.

After spending years building up your nest egg, you want to step into the retirement you deserve — whether that means relocating to a dream destination, traveling more, spending more time with family, or simply enjoying the comfort of your finances.

What you don’t want is constant stress about market swings, inflation quietly eroding your purchasing power, or the fear of outliving your savings. Retirement should be about freedom and confidence, not anxiety.

One of the most effective ways to build that confidence is by owning income-focused ETFs that deliver consistent cash flow, diversification, and professional management. Instead of relying solely on selling shares to fund your lifestyle, these funds aim to turn your portfolio into a dependable income engine.

Below are five retirement income ETFs that can help provide a reliable “paycheck” in retirement, along with why each can play an important role in a long-term income strategy.

Retirement Income ETFs: Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD)

Retirees looking for a low-cost dividend ETF that invests in quality companies can look into the Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (NYSEARCA: SCHD). This ETF screens for high-yielding companies that have a track record of paying dividends. 

The ETF tracks the total return of the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. It has 100 holdings, including names such as Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN), AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), Home Depot (NYSE: HD), Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO), Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), Chevron (NYSE: CVX), UPS (NYSE: UPS), and Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO).  

The fund has an expense ratio of 0.06% and pays a quarterly dividend that yields 3.38%.

Retirement Income ETFs: Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD)

The Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (NYSEARCA: SPHD) seeks steady income by investing in high-quality companies that pay high dividends and experience low volatility, helping steer investors clear of value traps and mitigate risk.

The fund offers a yield of about 4%. This means a $400,000 investment could pay $1,333 a month with that yield. Its holdings are mainly in real estate and in defensive sectors such as consumer staples and utilities.

Retirement Income ETFs: JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI)

The JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (NYSEARCA: JEPI) generates income by combining some of the top blue-chip stocks, such as Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Mastercard (NYSE: MA), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), using options strategies.

All of which help produce hefty monthly income for investors. In fact, last checked, the JEPI ETF yields about 7.24%, which isn’t too shabby at all. With an expense ratio of 0.35%, the ETF holds 122 stocks, including Visa (NYSE: V), Mastercard, Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), The Southern Company (NYSE: SO), and Nvidia.

Retirement Income ETFs: JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Equity Income ETF (JEPQ)

The JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Equity Income ETF (NASDAQ: JEPQ) generates income by selling options and by investing in U.S. large-cap growth stocks. All of which allows it to deliver a monthly income stream through options premiums and stock dividends. Even better, investors have also benefited from the ETF’s appreciation. 

The ETF has an expense ratio of 0.35% at the time of this writing, and pays a monthly dividend with a yield of 9.74%,

Retirement Income ETFs: iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV)

The iShares Core High Dividend ETF (NYSEARCA: HDV) tracks the investment results of an index composed of relatively high-dividend-paying U.S. equities. Some of its top holdings include Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM), Chevron, and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ).

With a yield of 3.41% and an expense ratio of 0.08%,

It’s About Peace of Mind

Retirement isn’t about chasing the highest returns or trying to beat the market. It’s about peace of mind. It’s about knowing your bills are covered, your lifestyle is supported, and your money is working quietly in the background so you can focus on living.

The right mix of retirement income ETFs can help turn decades of hard work into dependable cash flow — month after month, year after year. While no investment is risk-free, building a diversified portfolio centered on quality, income, and consistency can go a long way toward making retirement feel less uncertain and more secure. In the end, the goal isn’t just to retire — it’s to retire confidently, knowing your portfolio is built to support the life you’ve earned.