U.S. ETFs Show Mixed Gains as Dividend Fund Rises and AI Funds Rebound

The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) posted a 16% year‑to‑date gain, positioning it near the top of the dividend‑ETF category and outpacing the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF. The fund has increased its dividend each year since its 2011 launch and benefitted from a rotation out of tech stocks and a higher‑rate environment, though a modest re‑allocation to technology in the second quarter trimmed some of its outperformance.

Separately, AI‑focused exchange‑traded funds recovered after a sharp sell‑off at the end of June. The iShares AI Innovation and TechActive ETF rose 2.9%, while the Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF gained 1.6%, recouping part of the previous week’s losses. The rebound coincided with strong quarterly performance in semiconductor ETFs, which have been buoyed by ongoing AI infrastructure spending.