The VanEck Energy Income ETF (NYSE ARCA:EINC) is a standout performer in early 2026, offering investors a compelling blend of high-yield income and capital appreciation. As the market navigates a volatile start to the year, this ETF provides a strategic way to gain exposure to the essential infrastructure powering North America. The fund has seen an impressive start to the year, with its price rising approximately 15% year-to-date as of mid-February.
Efficiency and yield are central to the fund's appeal for long-term holders. At 0.46%, the management fee is notably lower than the average for its category, ensuring that more of the returns stay in the hands of investors. For income-seekers, EINC offers a robust trailing dividend yield of 3.2%. That's well above the S&P 500 average of around 1.1%.
The ETF achieves these results by tracking the MVIS North America Energy Infrastructure Index, which focuses on "midstream" companies. These are the businesses responsible for the storage and transportation of oil and gas, a segment that is often less sensitive to fluctuating commodity prices than "upstream" explorers, thereby providing more stable cash flows. Its top holdings include some of the most iconic names in the energy sector, such as Williams Companies, Enbridge Inc., and TC Energy Corp.
With roughly 68% of its portfolio in U.S. stocks and 32% in Canada, the fund provides diversified exposure across North American energy infrastructure. For long-term investors, the combination of high-margin infrastructure assets and a consistent quarterly payout schedule makes EINC an attractive defensive play in a growing economy. By prioritizing companies with reliable dividends and essential operational roles, this ETF serves as a solid building block for a resilient portfolio.
