Top Market News - November 25, 2025

Dear Reader, welcome to today’s dive into the financial world! I’m sharing my thoughts on the latest market moves, from high-yield ETFs for retirement income to rising bond ETF interest, falling fees, and a gold vs silver ETF showdown. These insights, drawn from recent trends, are my way of helping you navigate the path to financial freedom. Let’s explore together.

2 High-Yield ETFs Built for Inflation-Proof Retirement Income

For retirees facing inflation, high-yield ETFs like SPDR S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD) with a 4.59% yield and $1.95 annual dividend per share offer simplicity, high income, and diversification across 80 S&P 500 stocks focused on top dividend payers, while combining with growth-oriented funds provides a durable strategy against rising prices.

Tip: Blend SPYD's immediate yield with dividend growth ETFs for compounding; target 4-5% portfolio yield to outpace inflation without excessive risk.

Bond ETFs gaining investor attention. What to know before you buy

Bond ETFs have seen $166 billion in inflows in October 2025, surpassing mutual funds, with actively managed funds (511 vs. 393 passive) gaining traction for potential outperformance through professional bond selection, offering liquidity, transparency, and diversification amid stock volatility.

Tip: Opt for active bond ETFs in uncertain markets for benchmark-beating potential; assess duration and credit quality to match your risk tolerance.

ETF fees are falling — but should investors really care?

ETF expense ratios have dropped to an average 0.37% in 2025 from 0.44% in 2020, driven by competition and scale, but experts note that while lower fees boost net returns, investors should prioritize total costs including trading spreads and tax efficiency over minor fee differences in passive funds.

Tip: Focus on overall ETF efficiency beyond fees—choose low-turnover index trackers for tax advantages; small fee savings compound meaningfully over decades.

iShares Gold Trust vs. iShares Silver Trust: Which ETF Is a Better Investment?

iShares Gold Trust (IAU) offers stable inflation hedging with lower volatility and a 0.25% expense ratio, backed by physical gold holdings, while iShares Silver Trust (SLV) provides industrial demand upside but higher swings and 0.50% fees; gold suits conservative portfolios, silver for growth-oriented ones amid 2025's precious metals rally.

Tip: Choose IAU for reliable diversification (5-10% allocation); opt for SLV if bullish on industrial recovery, but cap at 3-5% due to volatility.