It has been a volatile year for the U.S. markets, with many stocks experiencing impressive highs and sharp lows. Investing in such a turbulent environment may feel daunting for retail investors.However, dividend-paying stocks can help generate substantial passive income even amid market fluctuations. With the correct picks, investors can generate a steady dividend income even with a relatively modest investment. For instance, investing $2,000 each in Verizon Communications (VZ -0.45%), AT&T (T -0.28%), and ...