Which High-Yield ETF Is a Better Buy in 2026: Vanguard VYM vs iShares HDV?

Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) and iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) are compared as income-focused investment options. VYM offers broader diversification with 605 stocks and a lower 0.04% expense ratio, while HDV provides a more concentrated portfolio of 75 defensive stocks with a higher 2.8% dividend yield. Both ETFs are suitable for dividend investors, with VYM better for growth-oriented income seekers and HDV for those preferring defensive positioning.

07/14/2026, 9:04 AM • The Motley Fool

President Trump Moves to Reinstate a Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as Oil Prices Jump Above $79 a Barrel. Are Oil Stocks Worth Buying Now?

President Trump announced plans to reimpose a naval blockade against Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz, causing oil prices to spike to $83/barrel. While oil stocks like ExxonMobil and Chevron rallied on the news, the author cautions that the premium may already be priced in and long-term supply projections suggest global production will outpace demand.

07/13/2026, 4:30 PM • The Motley Fool

Why Texas Pacific Land Corporation Rallied Over 50% in the First Half of 2026

Texas Pacific Land Corporation (TPL) surged 52.4% in H1 2026, driven by rising oil and gas prices following geopolitical tensions and increased AI data center development in West Texas. The company benefits from its large land portfolio and royalty interests in the Permian Basin, plus strategic partnerships with Bolt (an AI data center startup) and Chevron for power and water supply to data centers.

07/13/2026, 8:15 AM • The Motley Fool

Does Chevron's Joint Venture With GE Vernova Make the Stock a Buy Ahead of 2027?

Chevron has partnered with GE Vernova to develop 4 gigawatt-hours of behind-the-meter natural gas power for AI data centers through 'power foundries' across the U.S. Chevron will leverage its Permian Basin natural gas production to fuel GE Vernova's gas turbines, with deliveries expected to begin in late 2027 or early 2028. While the partnership addresses surging data center energy demands, environmental concerns persist despite plans to integrate carbon capture technology.

07/12/2026, 5:30 AM • The Motley Fool

Chevron May Have Unlocked a Powerful New Growth Engine

Chevron is partnering with GE Vernova to supply natural gas to Microsoft's AI data center in West Texas, bypassing traditional utility companies. As AI data centers face electricity supply constraints, companies are increasingly generating their own power. Natural gas turbines are expected to be the primary source of this 'behind the meter' power generation, which could triple to 49 gigawatts by 2030, positioning suppliers like Chevron with existing infrastructure to capitalize on this emerging growth opportunity.

07/11/2026, 12:31 PM • The Motley Fool

Generative AI in Oil & Gas Market to Surge: CAGR of 16.9% Expected by 2030

The generative AI in oil and gas market is projected to grow from $0.53 billion in 2025 to $1.15 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 16.9%. Key growth drivers include cloud-based AI solutions for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and drilling optimization. Major players like Saudi Aramco and Shell are leading adoption, while tariffs are spurring local AI development. North America holds the largest regional market share.

07/10/2026, 5:45 AM • GlobeNewswire

UWM Walked Away From the Two Harbors Bidding War. That Might Be the Best News for Shareholders.

United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) lost a bidding war to acquire Two Harbors Investment Corp to privately-held CrossCountry Mortgage. While UWM's final offer of $12.50 per share was higher than CrossCountry's winning $12 per share bid, analysts view UWM's decision to walk away as prudent. Given UWM's unsustainably high 20% dividend yield and earnings that don't cover dividend payments, avoiding the costs and complexity of a contentious merger protects shareholder value.

07/09/2026, 10:15 PM • The Motley Fool

Vanguard Energy vs Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure: Which ETF Is Delivering Profits From Rising Energy Costs?

The article compares two energy ETFs: Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) with a 0.09% expense ratio focusing on broad energy producers, and Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) with a 0.45% expense ratio targeting midstream infrastructure. While VDE offers lower costs and broader diversification with 111 holdings, MLPX provides higher dividend yields (4% vs 2.7%) and superior long-term performance, making it the recommended choice for capitalizing on higher energy prices in 2026.

07/09/2026, 2:23 PM • The Motley Fool

ProShares vs. iShares: Is NOBL or HDV the Better Dividend ETF for Investors?

The article compares two dividend-focused ETFs: iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) and ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL). HDV offers a lower expense ratio (0.08% vs 0.35%), higher dividend yield (2.90% vs 2.07%), and stronger recent performance (21.5% vs 14.9% over one year) with lower volatility. The author recommends HDV as the better long-term choice due to its superior yield, lower costs, and smoother risk profile, despite both funds delivering similar historical returns.

07/09/2026, 7:34 AM • The Motley Fool

ExxonMobil vs. Chevron: Which Oil Dividend Stock is the Better Buy for a Lifetime of Passive Income

ExxonMobil and Chevron are compared as top dividend-paying oil stocks with strong fundamentals. Both have 40+ years of consecutive dividend increases, resilient business models, fortress balance sheets, and clear growth plans through 2030. Chevron offers higher current dividend yield (4%), while ExxonMobil provides better long-term growth visibility through new business opportunities in lower-carbon energy and AI-related ventures.

07/09/2026, 6:30 AM • The Motley Fool

Chevron’s Microsoft Deal Turns Natural Gas Into an AI Power Play

Chevron rallied 5-6% over two days as geopolitical tensions spiked oil prices and the company benefits from its 20-year Microsoft data center power deal. The stock trades 18% below its March 2026 high of $214.71 despite strong catalysts including the Guyana production inflection, Hess acquisition synergies, and AI infrastructure growth. Analysts see upside to $205-220 targets, with Q2 earnings on July 31 expected to validate the bull case.

07/08/2026, 1:56 PM • Investing

The Dividend ETF Quietly Outperforming the S&P 500

The iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) has gained over 15% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500's 9% return. The fund's success is driven by its high-quality dividend stock selection and significant exposure to energy stocks (ExxonMobil, Chevron) and healthcare stocks (AbbVie, Merck), which have all posted strong gains. HDV's focus on financially healthy companies with sustainable competitive advantages has delivered consistent returns over multiple time periods.

07/07/2026, 5:30 AM • The Motley Fool

Big Oil Heads for Record Profits as Trump Turns Up the Heat on Gas Prices

Big Oil companies are set for record Q2 profits due to crude price spikes from Strait of Hormuz disruption, with Exxon and Chevron earnings expected to triple. However, President Trump is demanding gasoline prices drop to $2.25-$2.50 per gallon and has launched price-gouging investigations, creating political pressure despite industry claims that pump prices lag crude declines due to low inventories and refining economics.

07/07/2026, 2:31 AM • Investing

2 Energy Stocks to Load Up on in the Second Half of 2026

Following a spike and subsequent decline in energy prices due to Middle East geopolitical tensions, the article recommends two energy stocks for investors seeking sector exposure. Chevron offers diversified energy assets with an attractive 4.2% dividend yield and conservative balance sheet, though it carries commodity price risk. Enterprise Products Partners, a midstream operator, provides fee-based revenue less dependent on oil prices, with a 6% yield and consistent distribution growth.

07/06/2026, 3:15 PM • The Motley Fool

Chevron vs. Exxon Mobil: Which Energy Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

The article compares two energy giants, Chevron and Exxon Mobil, as investment options for 2026. While both companies are well-managed with strong free cash flow and shareholder returns, the author recommends Exxon Mobil due to its record production in Guyana, growing Permian Basin operations, cost discipline, and superior cash returns to shareholders. Chevron faces near-term uncertainty from Venezuela exposure and legal challenges.

07/04/2026, 7:01 PM • The Motley Fool