5 Cheap Dividend ETFs to Buy and Hold for 2023

This has been a terrible year for global markets. High inflation, rising rates, geopolitical tensions and supply-chain woes due to the zero-Covid policy in China made matters most difficult this year. The S&P 500 is off 19.8% this year (as of Dec 22, 2022). Vanguard European Stock Index Fund (VGK - Free Report) has retreated about 18.7%. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM - Free Report) is off 22.5%Hence, dividend investing is in vogue this year amid huge volatility and uncertainty. These stocks tend to outperform in volatile markets and can reduce the volatility of a portfolio.Inflows to dividend ETFs are 25% higher this year than 2021's record with positive inflows every month so far this year, per a Bloomberg article. A record $50 billion allocation to dividend ETFs so far this year has been noticed. Money managers betting big on stable companies that have a history of paying out profits to shareholders, hoping that will minimize immense losses across the broader market.Though cash-like treasuries are offering highest income in over a decade, dividend-paying stocks are gaining appeal in a rising rate environment as bond ETFs underperform in a rising rate environment. The U.S. central bank will likely hike rates next year again to restrict inflationary pressure. Hence, dividend investing, which is safer in nature, would be in bright spot in 2023 as well. But after a huge jump in prices for dividend ETFs in 2022, we would suggest investors to look for some cheap dividend ETFs for investing in 2023.Below we highlight a few such options. The fund charges 30 bps in fees and yields 3.89% annually.Invesco High Yield Equity Dividend Achievers ETF (PEY - Free Report) - Up 2%; P/E: 14.06XThe underlying NASDAQ US Dividend Achievers 50 Index is comprised of 50 stocks selected principally on the basis of dividend yield and consistent growth in dividends. The fund charges 7 bps in fees and yields 5.03% annually.Principal Value ETF (PY - Free Report) - Down 4.6%; P/E: 11.56XThe 80-stock fund targets growth of income by investing in companies that grow dividends, increase cash flows, and engage in buybacks over time. The fund is driven by companies with strong cash flow generation and prudent payout policies. The fund charges 58 bps in fees and yields 3.14% annually (read: ETFs to Play BoJ's Surprise Policy Shift).