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Just For You
3 Low-Volatility ETFs for Peace of Mind in Turbulent TimesAuthor: Nathan Reiff. Published: 4/13/2026. 
Key Points
- ETFs aiming for low volatility can take multiple approaches, including screening for stocks that are less susceptible to market turbulence or focusing on bonds.
- LVHI is a rare low-volatility fund that has a strong track record of performance YTD on top of a healthy dividend yield of around 4%.
- JEPI's overlayed options approach on top of a low-volatility S&P 500 stock strategy has caused its dividend yield to soar above 8%.
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Amid uncertainty about the future trajectory of the war in Iran, the possibility of a continued ceasefire, and the potential implications for oil prices—and the market in general—it's understandable that many investors are seeking stability. In volatile times, it can make sense to turn to exchange-traded funds (ETFs) designed specifically for lower volatility. Under normal circumstances—and especially during a bull market—investors often avoid low-volatility ETFs except as defensive plays. These funds are constructed to move less than the broader market; when markets rally they may lag. But they can protect gains when turbulence threatens to erase returns accumulated over time. LVHI Offers Both a Strong Dividend and Defense Against VolatilityThe Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (BATS: LVHI) tracks an index of stocks selected for a combination of high dividends, steady earnings and low volatility. The portfolio size is flexible—typically about 50 to 150 stocks—allowing adjustments as securities move relative to the fund's screening criteria.
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LVHI focuses exclusively on companies in developed markets outside the United States, so it can provide useful international diversification for investors concentrated in U.S. equities. Some names that commonly appear among the top holdings—such as energy giant Shell PLC (NYSE: SHEL) and pharmaceutical leader Novartis (NYSE: NVS)—will be familiar to many investors. Despite its low-volatility mandate, LVHI has produced an impressive return so far in 2026, rising nearly 12% year-to-date (YTD). Its 4.1% dividend yield underscores its focus on high-yield names, offering a defensive income component. The fund's expense ratio is 0.40%, which many investors may consider reasonable given its recent performance. A Combination of Low-Volatility S&P Names and Call Options for IncomeThe JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (NYSEARCA: JEPI) pursues a twofold approach: it selects low-volatility stocks while overlaying a covered-call options strategy to generate monthly distributions. The covered calls can cap upside in a rally, but they help produce steady income—consistent with the fund's defensive orientation. JEPI is actively managed, and its annual fee of 0.35% is competitive for that strategy. The fund has delivered an attractive dividend yield of 8.3%, reflecting the effectiveness of the options overlay. With a portfolio of more than 100 names drawn from the S&P 500, JEPI's yield stands out among equity-focused income funds. Given its income focus, JEPI's record for capital appreciation is modest, though it has outperformed the S&P 500 YTD, rising just under 1%. A Middle-of-the-Road Approach to Balancing Bond Yields and RiskAnother way to reduce portfolio volatility is to favor bonds over equities. The iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ: IEF) holds intermediate-term U.S. Treasuries—securities that sit in the middle of the interest-rate sensitivity spectrum. IEF is not the most defensive bond fund available, but it can offer a balance between yield and interest-rate risk for investors willing to accept some duration exposure. IEF currently offers a dividend yield of 3.8% and carries a low expense ratio of 0.15%. Interest-rate risk is related to market volatility, although short-term market swings may not immediately translate into changes in rates. IEF's risk/yield profile may appeal to many investors. Those seeking to further minimize interest-rate sensitivity might consider a shorter-duration alternative, such as the iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ: SHY). With the same annual fee, SHY targets a different slice of the Treasury curve and gives up only a small amount of yield—the fund's dividend yield is about 3.7%. |
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