So far, 2025 hasn't exactly been kind to investors. The S&P 500 is down 5.5% year-to-date, weighed down by mounting uncertainty, tariffs, fears of an economic slowdown, and concerns over stretched valuations, particularly in growth-oriented technology stocks. This risk-off environment has prompted many investors to seek safety, leading them to turn to defensive sectors and dependable dividend payers. As market sentiment shifts toward caution, dividend stocks with strong yields and relative outperformance ha ...