Unleashing the Power of Small Dogs Of the Dow

Small But Mighty: Investing in Small Dow Dogs

May 15, 2023

Investing in the stock market often presents a challenging landscape for beginner investors, as they are faced with a vast array of stocks and intricate investment strategies to navigate. The sheer volume of information and choices can easily lead to feelings of confusion and intimidation. In such a complex environment, novice investors must find a straightforward and effective investment strategy to help them build confidence and achieve their financial goals. One such approach that has gained popularity among beginner investors is the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy.

This strategy simplifies the investment process by focusing on a select group of high dividend-yielding stocks within the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), allowing investors to make informed decisions without being overwhelmed by the many options available in the stock market. By employing the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy, beginner investors can use a proven method that has historically demonstrated strong performance while benefiting from a steady income generated through dividends.

How does this strategy work?

The Small Dogs of the Dow strategy is a popular investment approach that focuses on the Dow Jones Industrial Average’s (DJIA) ten firms with the greatest dividend yields. The strategy assumes that high dividend yields indicate undervalued equities with the potential to outperform the market. By focusing on these high-yield stocks, the strategy aims to identify companies currently undervalued by the market but with strong fundamentals and the potential for future growth. Additionally, the system is designed to provide investors with a steady income stream through the dividends these high-yield stocks pay.

The Small Dogs of the Dow approach is relatively simple and easy to understand, making it an attractive option for novice investors with limited experience in the stock market. It is also a low-cost strategy, as it does not require frequent trading or the use of complex investment vehicles. Instead, investors can invest equal amounts of money into each of the 10 Small Dogs of the Dow stocks or use an ETF or mutual fund that tracks the Small Dogs of the Dow index.

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The strategy has historically outperformed the broader market despite the risks. It can be a valuable investment approach for investors seeking a simple, income-generating approach to stock market investing. However, investors should be mindful of the dangers connected with this approach and should always consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

How to Choose Small Dogs of the Dow Stocks

The strategy involves investing in the top-yielding stocks within the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Small Dogs of the Dow is a variation of this strategy that consists of investing in the top-yielding stocks within the Dow Jones Industrial Average that have a lower market capitalization, typically under $10 billion.

To choose Small Dogs of the Dow stocks, you can follow these steps:

Determine the current Small Dogs of the Dow: You can find the current Small Dogs of the Dow list online or by using a stock screener that allows you to sort by dividend yield and market capitalization.
Research each company: Once you have the list of Small Dogs of the Dow, research each company to understand their business, financials, competitive advantages, and growth prospects. Look for companies with a history of paying dividends and a sustainable dividend payout ratio.
Evaluate the risks: Consider the risks associated with each company, such as industry trends, competition, regulatory environment, and financial risks. Assess the potential impact of these risks on the company’s financials and dividend payouts.
Diversify your portfolio: As with any investment strategy, it is crucial to diversify your portfolio to spread out your risk. Invest in a mix of Small Dogs of the Dow stocks and other types of investments to achieve a balanced portfolio.
Monitor your investments: Regularly monitor your Small Dogs of the Dow investments to ensure they meet your investment goals and risk tolerance. Reevaluate your investments periodically and make adjustments as necessary.

Advantages of the Small Dogs of the Dow Strategy

One of the main advantages of this strategy is its simplicity. It is an easy-to-understand investment strategy that does not require much time or expertise. Additionally, since the strategy focuses on high-yield dividend stocks, it can provide investors with a steady income stream.

Another advantage of this strategy is its historical performance. According to some studies, the Small Dogs of the Dow have outperformed the Dow Jones Industrial Average by an average of 2% per year over the past two decades. Investors should be mindful of the dangers connected with this approach, such as changes in interest rates and the financial condition of the equities chosen.

This strategy is also a low-cost investment approach, as it does not require frequent trading or the use of complex investment vehicles. Instead, investors can invest equal amounts of money into each of the 10 Small Dogs of the Dow stocks or use an ETF or mutual fund that tracks the Dow index.

Risks of the Strategy

Like any investment strategy, the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy carries risks that investors should consider before investing. Here are some of the key risks associated with this strategy:

Market risk: Investing in the stock market carries inherent market risk. For example, the value of your investments can fluctuate due to economic, political, and other factors that are beyond your control.
Concentration risk: The Small Dogs of the Dow strategy focuses on a limited number of stocks, which can lead to concentration risk. If one or more of the stocks in your portfolio experiences a significant decline in value, your overall portfolio could suffer.
Sector risk: The Small Dogs of the Dow strategy does not consider the sector or industry of the companies in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. This means that your portfolio could be heavily concentrated in a particular sector, which can increase your risk if that sector experiences a downturn.
Dividend risk: While investing in high-yielding stocks can provide income, it also carries dividend risk. One of the companies could cut or eliminate its dividend, leading to a decline in the price of its shares.
Liquidity risk: Some of the Small Dogs of the Dow stocks may have lower trading volumes, making it more difficult to buy or sell shares, particularly during market volatility.

Historical Performance

The Small Dogs of the Dow strategy has historically outperformed the broader market. According to some studies, the Small Dogs of the Dow have outperformed the Dow Jones Industrial Average by an average of 2% per year over the past two decades.

For example, in 2020, the Small Dogs of the Dow index returned -5.3%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average returned -9.7%. In 2019, the Small Dogs of the Dow index returned 22.7%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average returned 22.3%.

It is important to note that past performance does not guarantee future results, and the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy comes with risks. However, the strategy’s past history implies that it has the potential to give investors with larger returns than investing in the broader market.

How to implement the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy

To implement the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy, you can invest equal amounts of money into each of the Small Dogs of the Dow stocks. You can also use an ETF or mutual fund that tracks the Small Dogs of the Dow index.

Several ETFs and mutual funds track the Small Dogs of the Dow index, providing investors with a convenient way to invest in the Small Dogs of the Dow without having to buy each stock individually. Some of the most popular Small Dogs of the Dow ETFs and mutual funds include:

Invesco Dow Jones Industrial Average Dividend ETF (DJD)
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG)
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM)
ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV)
Guggenheim Dow Jones Industrial Average Dividend ETF (DJD)

Tax Implications of the Small Dogs of the Dow Strategy

Investing in the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy may have tax implications, such as dividends being subject to taxes. Talk to a tax professional to understand the potential tax implications of this strategy.

Criticisms of the Small Dogs of the Dow Strategy

One criticism of the strategy is that it is a relatively small and niche investment strategy. Some investors may prefer to invest in broader indexes, such as the S&P 500, which provides exposure to a more extensive range of stocks. Additionally, the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy focuses solely on dividend yields and does not consider other factors that may impact a stock’s performance, such as earnings growth or valuation.

Another criticism of the strategy is that it may not suit all investors. While the strategy has historically outperformed the broader market, it comes with risks, such as interest rate fluctuations and the financial health of the selected stocks. Additionally, the strategy may not be appropriate for investors seeking growth-oriented investments or with a low-risk tolerance.

Overall, while the strategy can be a valuable tool for investors seeking a simple, income-generating approach to stock market investing, investors need to consider their individual investment goals, risk tolerance, and other factors before investing in this strategy.

Alternatives to the Small Dogs of the Dow Strategy

There are many alternative investment strategies for investors, depending on their investment goals, risk tolerance, and other factors. Some popular alternatives to the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy include:

Index funds are a type of investment fund, either in the form of a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF), that follows or track certain market indices such as the S&P 500 or Nasdaq Composite. By doing so, index funds offer investors exposure to a diverse portfolio of securities, which can help manage investment risk.
Growth stocks are firms that are predicted to grow faster than the market as a whole.. These stocks may not pay high dividends, but they have the potential for capital appreciation.
Value stocks: Value stocks are companies considered to be undervalued by the market. These stocks may pay dividends but also have the potential for capital appreciation as the market recognizes their value.
Dividend growth stocks are firms with a history of raising payouts over time. These stocks may not have the highest dividend yields, but they have the potential for income and capital appreciation.
Area-specific funds are mutual or exchange-traded funds that invest in a particular area of the economy, such as technology or healthcare. These funds provide investors with exposure to one specific area of the market. They can be used to diversify a portfolio.

Small Dogs of the Dow for 2023:

Chevron (CVX) – with a dividend yield of 4.87%
Verizon (VZ) – with a dividend yield of 4.66%
IBM (IBM) – with a dividend yield of 4.77%
Merck & Co. (MRK) – with a dividend yield of 3.22%
Pfizer (PFE) – with a dividend yield of 3.87%
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) – with a dividend yield of 3.47%
Cisco Systems (CSCO) – with a dividend yield of 3.05%
JPMorgan Chase (JPM) – with a dividend yield of 2.60%
3M (MMM) – with a dividend yield of 2.85%
Amgen (AMGN) – with a dividend yield of 2.44%

It is important to note that dividend yield is one factor to consider when evaluating stocks for investment. Investors should also consider other factors, such as the company’s financial health, growth potential, and valuation, before making investment decisions.

Conclusion

This simple and effective investment approach can help novice investors navigate the complex landscape of the stock market. The strategy focuses on high dividend-yielding stocks within the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which are believed to be undervalued and have the potential for future growth. By investing in top-yielding stocks with lower market capitalization, investors can potentially benefit from capital appreciation and a steady stream of income generated through dividends.

To successfully implement the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy, investors should conduct their own research and due diligence, evaluate the risks associated with each company, and diversify their portfolio. It is also essential to monitor their investments regularly to ensure they continue to meet their investment goals and risk tolerance.

One of the significant advantages of the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy is its simplicity and historical performance. However, it is not a guarantee of success. It comes with risks, such as interest rate fluctuations and the financial health of the selected stocks.

Overall, the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy can be valuable for novice investors seeking a straightforward, income-generating approach to stock market investing. By following a disciplined and well-informed investment approach, investors can potentially achieve their financial goals and build long-term wealth through the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy.

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FAQs

Q: What are the Small Dogs of the Dow?

A: It is an investment strategy that selects the ten stocks with the highest dividend yield from the Dow Jones Industrial Average. These ten stocks are called the “Small Dogs” because they are typically the smaller companies within the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Q: How does the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy work?

A: The approach works by choosing the 10 Dow Jones Industrial Average firms with the most excellent dividend yield at the start of the year. The stocks are then held for the entire year and rebalanced at the year’s end. The strategy aims to give investors a high dividend yield and potential capital appreciation.

Q: Why do investors use the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy?

A: Investors use the strategy because it provides a high dividend yield and potential capital appreciation. Additionally, the strategy is relatively simple to implement and has historically outperformed the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Q: What are the potential risks associated with the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy?

A: One potential risk is that the Dow may underperform during certain market conditions, such as a bear market. Additionally, the strategy may not be suitable for all investors, particularly those seeking more diversified investment options.

Q: What is the historical performance of the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy?

A: The historical performance of this strategy has been strong, with some years outperforming the overall Dow Jones Industrial Average. However, historical results may not always predict future outcomes. Additionally, individuals should always do their due diligence before trying new investment strategies.

Q: How can investors implement the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy?

A: Investors can implement the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy by selecting the 10 stocks with the highest dividend yield from the Dow Jones Industrial Average at the beginning of the year and holding them for the entire year. Alternatively, investors can invest in exchange-traded funds or mutual funds that track the Small Dogs of the Dow.

Q: What are the tax implications of implementing this strategy?

A: Investing in the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy can have tax implications like any other investment. For example, suppose you hold the stocks in a taxable account. In that case, you may owe taxes on any dividends or capital gains you receive. It’s recommended that investors consult with a tax professional to comprehend the potential tax implications of this investment strategy fully.

Q: Are there any alternatives to the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy?

A: Many alternative investment strategies exist for the Small Dogs of the Dow strategy. Some examples include investing in index funds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or individual stocks. It is crucial to conduct research and understand various investment strategies to determine the one that aligns with your investment objectives and risk tolerance.