Mateusz Kaczmarek

February 5, 2026, 11:46 AM EST. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) offer an accessible, low-cost way to invest in the stock market in 2026. Originating in the mid-1990s in the U.S., ETFs replicate performance of assets or baskets of assets; European markets list over 3,400 ETFs, with a global market valued at $19.8 trillion in 2026. First-generation ETFs track major indices like the S&P 500 or CAC 40. Dividends from ETFs are typically annual, differing from stocks' fixed schedules. Second-generation ETFs focus on sector and thematic indices, allowing broad exposure without picking individual stocks. Understanding dividend timing and ETF types is crucial for investors aiming to optimize portfolio positioning this year.