The best dividend stocks for growth and income in 2026 will include a diverse mix of sectors with defensive qualities. Click here to see the top 5 stocks.

Volatility is again picking up, and it’s a good idea to focus more on safety. There’s no better way to do so than to buy Dividend Aristocrat stocks like Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM), PepsiCo (NASDAQ:PEP), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ).

These three consumer staples companies are overlooked, but they are quietly building wealth with resilient business models.

As broader markets grapple with heightened volatility tied to escalating Middle East tensions, surging oil prices, and rising geopolitical uncertainty, investors have been increasingly attentive to income-oriented pockets of the market as the S&P 500 trades under pressure and risk sentiment weakens.

Chemicals giant LyondellBasell recently slashed its dividend in half. As a result, it lost its crown as the highest-yielding dividend stock in the S&P 500. Taking its place at the top is Conagra (NYSE: CAG) with its 7.

These companies have steadily grown their high-yielding dividends over the years.

Many investors look at high-priced dividend stocks and wonder why they should bother with shares that cost hundreds of dollars apiece. But keep in mind the word "share" — and the idea that a

Dividend investors are often split between high yields and dividend growth. High dividend yields are sometimes viewed with suspicion.

Target is surging as investor confidence grows that the company is turning the corner.

Dividends are one of the best benefits to being a shareholder, but finding a great dividend stock is no easy task. Does Bank of Montreal (BMO) have what it takes? Let's find out.

While talking to CNBC 2, Tony Bancroft, Portfolio Manager at Gabelli Funds, noted the ongoing Middle East conflict, which is sending aerospace and defense stocks up.