Easy Peasy #36: Build Your Dividend Portfolio & Live Off Dividends with Pre-Selected Stock Sets

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Intro

Reflation Nation: Powell Truce and Trade Talks Spark Rally

Trump Softens, Wall Street Cheers

Wall Street ripped higher for a second straight session after President Trump pulled back on the tariff-and-Fed-bashing rhetoric. The Dow climbed 419.59 points (+1.07%) to 39,606, the S&P 500 soared 88.06 (+1.67%) to 5,375, the Nasdaq exploded 407.63 (+2.50%) to 16,708, and the Russell 2000 gained 28.85 (+1.53%) to 1,919.

Markets loved the sound of “we’re going to be very good with China.” Trump said he has no intention of firing Powell and suggested rate cuts would be “perfect.” He even floated a tariff cut to calm tensions, calling the current 145% rate ‘too high.’ Treasury Secretary Bessent backed the message, calling the trade standoff unsustainable and signaling flexibility. Nothing’s signed, but hope was enough.

Economic data didn’t get in the way. Home sales popped, PMIs were a little soft, and the Fed’s Beige Book warned that tariff anxiety is crushing business sentiment. Still, stocks stayed green.

📊 Economic Data

• S&P Global Composite PMI (Apr):51.2 (vs 53.5 Mar)

• Services PMI:51.4 (vs 54.4 Mar)

• Manufacturing PMI:50.7 (vs 50.2 Mar)

• New Home Sales (Mar):0.724M annualized (+7.4% m/m), beat 0.680M est.

• Median Price:$403,600, down -7.5% y/y

Commodities, Currencies & Treasuries

• Gold: Tanked $120.90 (-3.53%) to $3,294.10 after peaking above $3,500 Tuesday

• WTI Crude: Dropped $1.40 (-2.2%) to $62.27

• Brent Crude: Fell $1.32 (-1.96%) to $66.12

• Bitcoin: Surged above $94,000, up 3%+

• 10Y Treasury Yield: Closed at 4.385%, up from 4.26% low

• 2Y Yield: Jumped 7.7bps to 3.865%

🔩 Autos

TSLA rallied despite a Q1 flop: EPS $0.27 missed (est. $0.43), and revs fell -9% y/y to $19.3B. Still, auto gross margins came in better than feared, and Musk said he’s stepping back from his gov gig to refocus on Tesla.

China EVs (NIO, LI, XPEV, BYDDF) flew as the Shanghai Auto Show kicked off. Xiaomi jumped 6.9%, NIO +4.4%, BYD +3.9%, and Geely +2.8% as investors cheered product buzz and growth optimism.

🛒 Retail, Consumer Staples & Restaurants

Food stocks (CAG, GIS, CPB, PEP, HSY, MDLZ, KO) slumped after FDA chief Marty Makary said petroleum-based dyes are on the chopping block, citing ADHD and obesity risks.

PM beat Q1 and raised full-year EPS to $7.36–$7.49 (prior $7.04–$7.17), driven by heated tobacco brand IQOS and ZYN pouches.

In restaurants, CAVA upgraded at Bernstein, while TXRH was downgraded at Citi on soft traffic and beef price concerns.

Retail names with China exposure surged (NKE, BOOT, SBUX, RH, W, EL) on trade optimism. Kering’s Q1 miss (Gucci -25% comp) weighed on luxury broadly.

🎰 Leisure, Gaming & Lodging

WYNN downgraded at Argus on Macau concerns; FY25 EPS forecast cut to $5.25 from $5.80.

HOG jumped on headlines India may slash motorcycle tariffs to zero — a long-awaited Harley win.

⚡ Energy

Barclays downgraded CVX and MUR, citing valuation and persistent operational hiccups, while Redburn also cut CVX and Eni.

BKR beat on Q1 EBITDA, reaffirmed IET guidance, but withdrew FY25 service outlook. WFRD beat EPS ($1.03 vs est. $0.86) but margins dropped. New CFO announced.

EQT topped with Q1 EPS $1.18 (est. $1.02), cut capex and raised output guide; acquiring Olympus Energy in a $1.8B deal. RRC beat modestly on gas volume and pricing.

ENPH tumbled after weak Q1 and soft Q2 guide. Plans to offset 145% tariffs by raising battery ASPs and shifting supply chain.

RUN and SEDG downgraded at MS on weaker demand, IRA risks, and margin pressures.

NEE beat Q1 thanks to rate hikes and demand. OKLO CEO Altman stepped down to avoid conflicts with OpenAI.

🏦 Banks & 💳 FinTech

Goldman said Fed stress test changes could unlock $17B in capital. All major banks reiterated upbeat 2025 guidance.

COF topped on lower credit costs, reiterated bullish view on DFS merger.

CB crushed with EPS $3.68 (est. $3.23) and $441M underwriting profit despite $1.6B in cat losses.

FIS upgraded at Oppenheimer post-Issuer Solutions deal.

🏥 Healthcare

BMY fell after schizophrenia drug Cobenfy failed in a late-stage trial.

NVAX reiterated its COVID shot is approvable, but FDA decision still pending.

SMMT soared after lung cancer drug cleared its Phase 3 survival benchmark.

TEM surged on AI/oncology collaborations with AZN and Pathos.

🧬 Biotech & MedTech

BSX beat with Q1 EPS $0.75 (est. $0.67), guided Q2 above street.

ISRG impressed with +18.5% procedure growth and solid beat on EPS and revs.

TMO posted solid Q1 but trimmed FY EPS guide to $21.76–$22.84 from $23.10–$23.50.

🚂 Transports

NSC posted in-line Q1 EPS $2.69, reiterated 2025 guide. ODFL beat EPS but saw revs dip -6% y/y on lower freight volume.

✈️ Industrials, Aerospace & Defense

BA cut losses to -$0.49 (est. -$1.29), beat on deliveries, and improved FCF. GD saw Q1 profit up 27%, strong biz jets and defense. OTIS beat on EPS, missed on revs, raised FY outlook.

RTX upgraded at MS post-pullback on tariff worries.

FCX, SCCO, and TECK rallied as copper hit a 3-week high — now +15% off recent lows — on easing trade fears.

💻 Tech & 🛰️ Internet

T in-line, beat on wireless net adds, but churn rose. Tower names (AMT, CCI, SBAC) slipped.

AAPL and META fined a combined €700M by the EU under the DMA.

VRT, GEV exploded higher after both posted strong Q1s and bullish FY outlooks; VRT raised organic sales guide and posted +135% y/y order growth. AI/data center plays (SMCI, CRWV, DELL, VST) rallied.

SAP, MANH, PEGA all beat and reaffirmed guidance. PEGA crushed EPS $1.53 (est. $0.49), revs $475.6M (est. $356.6M).

IONQ soared after a Japan quantum deal with Toyota Tsusho.

🔌 Semiconductors

The SOX index jumped 6% back above 4,000 as AI names rebounded hard. KeyBanc flagged 30–40% downside in a recession but noted inventories are rising again. Cut 2025 IC ex-memory rev forecast to +5% (from +9%) on tariffs and destocking.

🧠 What’s Next?

1️⃣ Trade optimism has legs — tariff rollback chatter could drive more risk-on rotation.

2️⃣ Earnings in full swing — tech, staples, and industrials light up Thursday’s calendar.

3️⃣ Commodities volatile — gold just cratered, oil sliding, copper flying.

4️⃣ Powell survives — for now. Market pricing in a July cut — but Trump wants it yesterday.

5️⃣ Fed Beige Book warns — businesses rattled by trade fog.

The S&P’s got momentum, but we’ve seen this movie before. Watch those earnings and watch those tariffs. It’s only Wednesday.

--

But none of this news really matters to MaxDividends members. We're focused on growing the cash flow that lands in your pocket every month—not stressing over price swings or stock market noise.

Top Stuff is Going On Inside. Check Your Status & Upgrade to Paid to Join the movement.

This week, we’ve rolled out a fresh batch of ready-to-go Stock Sets 💪.

Easy Peasy #36: Pre-Selected Dividend Growth Stock Sets

⭐️ $300 per Week – Week 36

👉 Link to the Real-Time MaxDividends $300/Weekly Portfolio

• Today's Investment: ~ $332.00

• Total Invested: ~ $11,013.74

• Portfolio Dividend Yield On Cost: ~ 3.96%

• Current Dividends: ~ $431.17 → $438.53

$ 332.00 / 300.00

Snap-on Incorporated | Shares: 1 Price: 332.00

Stock News in the Portfolio

🏆 Lam Research Corporation is planned to pay dividends in the amount 0.23 USD per share

• Illinois Tool Works Inc is planned to pay dividends in the amount 1.50 USD per share

• Medtronic plc is planned to pay dividends in the amount 0.70 USD per share

Dividend Hikes Q2

• Pepsico boosted its dividend payments by +4.50%

• Genuine Parts Company hiked its dividend payments by +3.00%

• T Row Price increased its dividend payments by +2.40%

⭐️ $500 per Week - Week 36

👉 Link to the Real-Time MaxDividends $500/Weekly Portfolio

• Today's investment: ~ $442.64

• Total Invested: ~ $18,540.36

• Portfolio Dividend Yield On Cost: ~ 4.23%

• Current Dividends: ~ $766.96 → $783.08

$ 442.64 / 500.00

Texas Instruments Incorp | Shares: 2 Price: 147.81

Nexstar Media Group | Shares: 1 Price: 147.02

Stock News in the Portfolio

🏆 Magic Software Enterprises Ltd showed profitability +19.08%, keep it up!

• Cisco Systems, Inc showed profitability +11.15%

• Abbott Laboratories showed profitability +15.28%

Dividend Hikes Q2

• Genuine Parts Company hiked its dividend payments by +3.00%

• T Row Price increased its dividend payments by +2.40%

⭐️ $1,000 per Week - Week 36

👉 Link to the Real-Time MaxDividends $1,000/Weekly Portfolio

• Today's investment: ~ $1,033.74

• Total Invested: ~ $38,020.12

• Portfolio Dividend Yield On Cost: ~ 3.98%

• Current Dividends: ~ $1,441.11 → $1,480.40

$ 1,033.74 / 1,000.00

Texas Instruments Inc | Shares: 2 Price: 147.81

Archer Daniels Midland | Shares: 1 Price: 46.97

Lockheed Martin Corporation | Shares: 1 Price: 459.14

Illinois Tool Works Inc | Shares: 1 Price: 232.01

Stock News in the Portfolio

🏆 Lockheed Martin Corporation shows good dynamics over the past week. +2.91%

• Abbott Laboratories showed profitability +13.05%

Dividend Hikes Q2

• Pepsico boosted its dividend payments by +4.50%

• Genuine Parts Company hiked its dividend payments by +3.00%

• T Row Price increased its dividend payments by +2.40%

Max’s Comments

I continue to invest actively, and the market—along with the tariff situation—is helping me move even faster by pushing prices down and allowing me to access better opportunities with higher dividend yields.

Last week, we actively discussed today’s market opportunities, and I’ve decided to invest a bit more aggressively these days to fully take advantage of the prolonged uncertainty.

Dividends are my go-to strategy for a reason. They’re like the tortoise in the race—slow, steady, and always winning in the long run.

The power of compounding is gaining momentum. My dividend snowball keeps growing.

Ready to Give It a Try?

Check Your Subsription Status & Upgrade to Premium.

The companies we select for the Easy-Peasy Section are exceptional compounders with double-digit dividend yield potential over the next 10-12 years.

The Easy-Peasy Portfolios are built using MaxDividends Tools, which include:

• MaxDividends App - Real-Time Portfolio Tracking

• MaxDividends Assistant - Dividend Ideas - Dividend Yield Maximization

• Dividend Eagles List of Stocks - Pre-Selected Dividend Growth Stock Sets

Investing in dividend growth stocks allows you to generate growing passive income over time. By using ready-made dividend stock sets, you can see exactly how this strategy works in action and how your portfolio can steadily build income through reinvested dividends and consistent growth.

It’s a powerful, simple approach to achieving financial freedom and living off dividends!

Anyone can follow the MaxDividends Concept

• MaxDividends Idea & Conception: The 5 Rules of Timeless Dividend Investing

We’ve gathered a variety of tools for investors to make dividend growth investing easier and more effective. We’re proud to be the largest dividend community on Earth, united by a shared goal: living off dividends.

Our community doesn’t just dream about financial freedom—we’re actively building it, one dividend at a time.

For Dividend Beginners

Start with the ready-to-go MaxDividends Assistant to kickstart your journey toward building growing passive income, retiring early, and living off dividends.

• How to Build Growing Passive Income

For Experienced Dividend Investors

List of Top Dividend Stocks for your own due diligence, Top Ideas Weekly to keep you informed about the best opportunities, In-Depth Reports on the most undervalued, high-potential dividend companies, and much more…

• Dividend Eagles

• Dividend Kings

• Dividend Aristocrats

For All Dreamers Who Want to Live Off Dividends

Join the most dividend-focused community on Earth, where you'll receive:

• Personal support from Max and the MaxDividends Team

• Access to powerful dividend tools to enjoy the journey

• A network of like-minded investors committed to financial freedom

Ready to Give It a Try?

Check Your Subsription Status & Upgrade to Premium.

MaxDividends App

We’re building the best app in the world for dividend investors—designed to help everyone retire early, live off dividends, and build a growing passive income.

With MaxDividends, you’ll have everything you need to track your investments, manage your dividend portfolio, and stay on track to financial freedom—all in one place.

MaxDividends Idea

👉 My Own High-Yield Dividend Growth Story

Retire early and live off dividends. $12,000 monthly for 120 months. No one wants to work forever—make it happen! If you have any questions, feel free to message me.

👉 My Personal Watchlist

Stay updated on the stocks I’m keeping an eye on.

👉 My Portfolio with All Updates and Ideas

Follow along with my real-time portfolio updates and investment ideas.

👉 My Recent Purchases

Check out my most recent stock purchases and the reasoning behind them.

MaxDividends Key Concept

At MaxDividends, we focus on dividend growth investing—a strategy that helps you build a growing stream of passive income over time.

We believe in predictability and peace of mind, which is why we prioritize investing in companies with a proven track record of sustainable, growing dividends.

Why Dividend Growth Investing?

• Capital Appreciation & Growing Income: You can enjoy both capital growth and increasing income as dividends rise over time.

• Consistency: By investing in companies that have been paying and increasing dividends for decades, you can count on a reliable and growing income stream.

• Long-Term Success: The power of compounding dividends allows you to build wealth over time and ultimately live off dividends.

👉 I ❤️ Dividends: Why I Believe Dividend Investing Is the Best Strategy | PDF Book

MaxDividends Strategy

We aim to maximize dividend yields and income growth by carefully selecting the best dividend stocks, tracking performance, and offering tools to help you manage your investments effectively.

Our goal is to help you achieve financial freedom through dividend growth investing and create a life where you can live off your dividends, retire early, and focus on what matters most to you.

Look at This Magic ✨

• September 2024 – $1,814

• Thursday, September 26 – $1,827

• Friday, September 27 – $1,834

• November 2024 → Today – $2,043 → $6,650.10

Just a few days in the life of a dividend investor. These are my monthly dividends from my total investments for now.

MaxDividends Premium Partners already know the magic formula: Each dividend increase puts more money into our pocket.

Remember, dividends are deposited as cash into your trading account. You can either spend the money or reinvest it to keep growing your passive income!

My dividend income just keeps growing. Almost every day. Always upward.

As my income increases, everyday expenses like coffee and lunch get easier to afford, and life just keeps getting brighter.

My Projected MONTHLY Income in 10 Years:

October’24: $10,393.59 → Today: $26,330.18 per month

It’s all about consistent growth and the power of dividends!

Enjoy the Dividend Idea?
Join me on this journey and let’s move forward together toward financial freedom and a life where you can live off dividends

Top Secret Stuff Going On Inside. Check Your Status & Upgrade to Paid to Join the movement.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at: [email protected]

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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• Thought I would share - I was able to create an Ultra High Dividend portfolio w/15 companies today that would net me a $4,200+/month income. I just retired this month and have a current income of $10,230/mo., will be $12,500/mo. in '27 so another $4200/mo. would be nice! Love the app, had a lot of fun creating a portfolio today!

• Thanks for all the hard work putting the MaxDividends! You guys have done all the heavy lifting.

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FAQ

• I ❤️ Dividends: Why I Believe Dividend Investing Is the Best Strategy | PDF Book

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• One More Secret Ingredient for the MaxDividends Strategy

Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago. ― Warren Buffett.