For many retirees, the challenge of investing is no longer about growing capital — it is about generating reliable income while preserving wealth. That's where dividend-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) come in.
They offer simplicity, diversification, and access to consistent income — all in one ASX trade.
One fund that stands out in this space is the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY).
With a strong track record and a focus on reliable, income-producing shares, it may be ideally suited for investors seeking steady passive income in retirement.
What is the high yield ASX ETF?
The Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF is a rules-based ETF that tracks the FTSE Australia High Dividend Yield Index.
This index is designed to capture companies with above-average forecast dividend yields, excluding those with low profitability or unstable earnings.
The result is a portfolio that is heavy on large, established companies with a history of paying strong, consistent dividends.
Current holdings include names like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), and Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) — businesses with durable cash flows and, in many cases, fully franked distributions.
Why retirees might like it
The Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield offers several features that make it attractive for retirement portfolios.
First, there's the yield. At recent prices, the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield has a trailing 12-month yield of 4.8%, with some of that being franked — a key advantage for Australian retirees with low or zero marginal tax rates.
That kind of income stream can help support living costs without needing to sell down capital during volatile markets.
Another reason is that the ETF is transparent, liquid, and low cost, with a management fee of 0.35%. That's important when every dollar counts.
A third reason is that it offers an effortless way to maintain exposure to the broader economy, with investments across financials, materials, consumer staples, and infrastructure. That means retirees benefit not just from dividends, but also from long-term capital growth potential over time.
Finally, income from the ETF is automatically distributed quarterly, making it easy to align with cash flow needs.
Foolish takeaway
If you're a retiree looking for a hands-off way to generate income, the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF could be a smart option.
It provides exposure to a portfolio of dividend-paying leaders, offers franked income, and is backed by Vanguard's reputation for low-cost, high-quality index management.
