If you’re looking for safety in volatile markets, invest in high-yield stocks. Not only do they help generate passive income, but they also act as defensive, stable investments during times of massive volatility – as we’re seeing now.
Investors searching for defensive positioning are turning to established income-producing assets that not only offer consistent cash flow but also demonstrate long-term resilience through regular dividend increases. From real estate investment trusts to global financial services companies and income-focused ETFs, these high-yield opportunities are becoming a cornerstone for those seeking both yield and downside protection in uncertain markets.
Realty Income’s Dividend Resilience Over Time
Known as “The Monthly Dividend Company,” Realty Income (NYSE: O) yields about 5.26%. It also just increased its monthly cash dividend to $0.2710 per share from $0.2705 per share. The dividend is payable on July 15, 2026, to stockholders of record as of June 30, 2026.
“Our portfolio’s consistent operating performance supports our ability to deliver stockholders reliable monthly dividends that grow over time,” said Sumit Roy, Realty Income’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Today’s announcement marks the 135th dividend increase since Realty Income’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 1994, a reflection of the durability of our platform and our disciplined approach to delivering consistent, long-term growth.”
Western Union: High Yield Stock
Another good high-yield stock is Western Union (NYSE: WU) With a yield of 13.41%, WU recently declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.235 per common share. It’s scheduled to be paid on June 30, 2026, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 16, 2026.
Plus, as its shifts to digital money services, it’s expected to see even more demand. In fact, as noted by FXC Intelligence, “The consumer money transfers industry presents a massive opportunity: a global TAM of $2tn in 2024 that will grow to $3.1tn by 2032, according to our market sizing data. A key growth driver for this industry has been a global push – led by digital disruptors in the space – to move consumer money transfers online.”
JPMorgan Premium Income ETF
With an expense ratio of 0.35% and a yield of 7.56%, the JPMorgan Equity Income ETF (NYSEARCA: JEPI) is another smart place to park $5,000 and forget about it. JEPI returns monthly income and capital appreciation, attempting to capture the returns of the S&P 500 with less volatility. It does so by selling options and investing in large cap stocks, such as Johnson & Johnson, Analog Devices, Ross Stores, AbbVie, RTX Corp., and Yum Brands.
JEPI also paid a dividend of just over 38 cents a share on June 3. Before that, it paid just over 47 cents per share on May 5. And before that, it paid out just over 42 cents per share on April 6.
The Core Message for Investors
Again, investors are increasingly prioritizing yield, stability, and predictable cash flow over aggressive growth alone. Whether it’s the long-term dividend growth model of Realty Income, the exceptionally high-income yield from Western Union as it pivots toward digital payments, or the diversified, volatility-reducing structure of JPMorgan Equity Income ETF, each offers a different path to the same objective—steady income in an uncertain environment.
All provide a buffer during downturns, help smooth portfolio returns, and deliver tangible income that can be reinvested or used for cash flow needs. For investors looking to balance volatility with reliability, high-yield strategies like these remain a core component of a disciplined, long-term portfolio approach.
