3 ETF Stocks to Buy for Passive Income in 2022

ETFs with a focus on dividends can be just what the doctor ordered for Motley Fool investors, but above them all, these three are the best.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

It’s never a bad time for Motley Fool investors to start thinking about creating passive-income streams. If you’re nearing retirement, it can set you up with stable cash flow. But even if you’re a millennial, you can use it for cash to reinvest in your portfolio. And exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are some of the best places to look.

ETF stocks can create passive income by focusing on investments that pay dividends. It’s like having an entire dividend portfolio at your fingertips, but with all the heavy lifting done by expert managers. That can be especially beneficial during a bear market, as you want to get the best for your money. And these three ETF stocks are the best out there for this volatile year.

ZGI

BMO Global Infrastructure Index ETF (TSX:ZGI) is a solid choice for those seeking safe passive income. The global aspect means you get a diversified portfolio, so that when the markets rebound you have exposure to it all. Furthermore, infrastructure remains needed no matter what the market does. We need sewers, we need internet, roads, and telephone lines. And that means infrastructure will remain in business.

ZGI shares have done quite well even in this market downturn, up 2% year to date. That’s not much, but it’s not a loss. Further, you can lock in a 3.34% dividend yield at the time of writing. Plus, that dividend has almost doubled in the last decade! Meaning you can look forward to more share and passive-income growth in the years to come — even during a downturn on the TSX today.

CDZ

Now, if you want dividends, then you want to look at Dividend Aristocrats. These are companies that have paid out and increased their dividends for the last 25 years or more. But instead of buying them all individually, you can buy iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF (TSX:CDZ), which does it for you.

CDZ offers passive income of 3.07%, and trades down about 5% year to date at the time of writing. What’s great is you get exposure to a mass of industries, some doing well and others not so much. So, this creates a balanced opportunity for you to make some serious growth in the next year or more when the selloff rebounds. And again, that dividend has almost doubled in the last 10 years!

ZWC

For some seriously high passive income, consider BMO CA High Dividend Covered Call ETF (TSX:ZWC). This ETF offers a dividend yield of 7.2% on the TSX today for Motley Fool investors. Not only does it choose high-yield dividend producers, but it aims to create more returns through covered calls.

And this has been the case. While shares are down just 3.88% year to date, shares have climbed about 20% in the last two years alone. Though I must admit, as the dividend is already quite high, there has been little movement over the last few years. But at 7.2%, I feel like we can forgive that.

ZWC focuses on strong industries like financial services, telecommunications, energy, and utilities. These are all solid performers that you can look forward to having for years to come.

Should you invest $1,000 in Ishares S&p/tsx Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index Etf right now?

Before you buy stock in Ishares S&p/tsx Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index Etf, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Ishares S&p/tsx Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index Etf wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $20,697.16!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 29 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 3/20/25

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has positions in BMO Canadian High Dividend Covered Call ETF. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Dividend Stocks

a person watches a downward arrow crash through the floor
Dividend Stocks

Why This Canadian Sector Is Plummeting and How to Protect Your Portfolio

There's one sector that's seriously in trouble lately, but don't worry. We have you covered with more stocks to consider.

Read more »

Man looks stunned about something
Dividend Stocks

Will Tariffs Crush These Canadian Manufacturing Stocks?

These three manufacturing stocks have already gone through some turbulence, but some might fare better than others.

Read more »

Pile of Canadian dollar bills in various denominations
Dividend Stocks

Got $3,000? 3 Income Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

The TSX has no shortage of high-yielding dividend stocks to choose from. Here are three top picks to add to…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Top Canadian Stocks to Generate Passive Income in 2025

These Canadian dividend stocks could help you earn attractive passive income for years to come.

Read more »

ways to boost income
Dividend Stocks

Top Canadian Financial Stocks to Buy Now

Canada's financial stocks are regarded as some of the best investments to own. Here's a look at several to buy…

Read more »

Start line on the highway
Dividend Stocks

10 Years From Now, You’ll Be Glad You Bought These Magnificent TSX Dividend Stocks

Investing in dividend stocks for the long term can be rewarding, especially if they grow their dividend annually.

Read more »

Canadian dollars are printed
Dividend Stocks

Transform Your TFSA Into a Cash-Generating Machine With $10,000

Here's how Canadian TFSA investors can hold TSX dividend stocks and begin a passive-income stream in 2025.

Read more »

The sun sets behind a power source
Dividend Stocks

Fortis: Buy, Sell, or Hold in 2025?

Fortis is up 8% in 2025. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »