Dividends or Total Return? Why Yield Isn't Everything

#dividendinvesting #dividendetfs #diyinvesting Dividend investing remains one of the most popular strategies among Canadian investors but are investors focusing on the wrong thing? In this episode of ETF Market Insights, Zayla Saunders is joined by ETF analyst and investing expert Tony Dong to discuss dividend investing, dividend ETFs, total return, and the risks of chasing high yields. Tony explains why dividend income isn't always the most important metric, how investors can avoid common yield traps, and why total return should remain a key consideration when building a long-term portfolio. The conversation also explores Canadian dividend ETFs, diversification, portfolio construction, sector concentration, and the role dividend-focused strategies can play within an investor's overall plan. Whether you're investing for income, growth, or a combination of both, this episode offers practical insights to help Canadian DIY investors make more informed decisions. Topics Covered: - Dividend Investing - Dividend ETFs - Yield vs. Total Return - Yield Traps - Portfolio Diversification - Income Investing - Canadian Equities - ETF Fees 👇 Let us know in the comments: Are you a dividend investor? What role do dividend ETFs play in your portfolio? Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:33 Why Canadians Love Dividend Investing 02:39 Income vs Total Return 03:40 The High-Yield Trap 04:56 How Canadian Dividend ETFs Are Built 06:20 Diversification Beyond Canadian Dividend Stocks 07:21 Understanding ZDIV's Methodology 09:45 Avoiding Dividend Yield Traps 10:53 Where Dividend ETFs Fit in a Portfolio 12:06 The Importance of Low Fees 13:05 Tony's Biggest Dividend Investing Lesson 14:02 How ZDIV Differs from Traditional Dividend ETFs 16:32 Final Thoughts To see more videos, subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ETFMarketInsights Learn more about BMO ETFs: https://www.bmogam.com/ca-en/products/exchange-traded-funds/find-an-etf/ Read the ETF Market Insights blog: https:/