How to Build a Passive Income Powerhouse with Fidelity ETFs: A 2026 Roadmap to $100,000 in Annual Dividends

The pursuit of a passive income stream sufficient to sustain a comfortable lifestyle is one of the most compelling goals in personal finance. Achieving $100,000 in annual dividends by 2026 requires a disciplined approach to long-term dividend growth and strategic diversification. Fidelity's exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a compelling toolkit for this endeavor, combining exposure to high-yield equities, international markets, and growth-oriented sectors. By analyzing the historical performance, sector allocations, and dividend trajectories of key Fidelity ETFs, we can construct a roadmap that balances income generation with capital preservation.

The Foundation: High-Yield Equities and Global Diversification

The cornerstone of any dividend-focused portfolio is exposure to companies with a track record of sustainable payouts. The Fidelity High Dividend ETF (FDVV) exemplifies this, targeting large- and mid-cap U.S. stocks with strong dividend growth potential. As of December 2025, FDVV offers a current yield of 3.02%, though its dividend growth has been volatile, with a -21.29% decline in the past year according to performance data. Over the longer term, however, its five-year average annual return of 16.34% underscores its resilience. Top holdings like Apple and Microsoft provide stability, while its sector allocation-dominated by Technology (26.37%) and Financial Services (19.24%)-ensures exposure to both defensive and growth-oriented industries as per sector analysis.

For global diversification, the Fidelity International High Dividend ETF (FIDI) is indispensable. Focused on non-U.S. companies, FIDI has a current yield of 4.28% according to Seeking Alpha and a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.98% based on financial data. Its sector allocation-33.12% in Financial Services, 14.20% in Consumer Defensive, and 13.11% in Basic Materials as per sector breakdown-reflects a bias toward industries that historically perform well in international markets. While FIDI's trailing twelve-month (TTM) dividend growth rate is -7.93% according to financial charts, its long-term trajectory remains positive, driven by its focus on developed markets with stable corporate governance.

Balancing Income and Stability: The Role of Fixed Income

Dividend growth strategies must also account for volatility. The Fidelity Total Bond ETF (FBND) provides a counterbalance with its 4.60% yield according to dividend data and broad exposure to fixed-income securities. Though its dividend growth has declined with a -28.57% decline in the past year, its role in reducing portfolio risk is critical. Bonds like FBND act as a buffer during equity market downturns, preserving capital while generating consistent income.

Growth-Oriented Complements: Technology and Innovation

To future-proof the portfolio, exposure to high-growth sectors is essential. The Fidelity Nasdaq Composite Index ETF (ONEQ) and Fidelity MSCI Information Technology ETF (FTEC) offer access to innovation-driven industries. ONEQ, with a 16.5% annualized return over 15 years according to performance data, and FTEC, which has delivered 19.4% annualized returns over five years according to financial data, are ideal for investors seeking capital appreciation alongside modest dividend income. These ETFs are particularly valuable for younger investors or those with longer time horizons, as their growth potential can amplify dividend payouts over decades.

The 2026 Roadmap: Building a $100,000 Dividend Portfolio

To achieve $100,000 in annual dividends by 2026, an investor must consider both current yields and projected growth. Assuming a conservative 4% average yield, a portfolio of approximately $2.5 million is required. A diversified allocation across Fidelity's ETFs could look like this:

1. FDVV (30%): $750,000 invested at 3.02% generates $22,650 annually().
2. FIDI (25%): $625,000 at 4.28% yields $26,750().
3. FBND (20%): $500,000 at 4.60% contributes $23,000().
4. ONEQ (15%): $375,000 at 0.5% (typical for growth ETFs) adds $1,875().
5. FTEC (10%): $250,000 at 0.7% yields $1,750().

Total: $75,025 in 2025. With dividend growth averaging 5–7% annually, this portfolio could reach $100,000 by 2026 through compounding and reinvestment.

Risks and Mitigations

While this roadmap is robust, risks persist. FIDI's recent negative growth of -7.93% TTM highlights the vulnerability of international dividends to macroeconomic shifts. Similarly, FDVV's -21.29% decline in the past year according to performance data underscores the importance of diversification. To mitigate these risks, investors should:
- Rebalance annually to maintain sector and geographic balance.
- Allocate a portion of proceeds to growth ETFs like ONEQ and FTEC to offset income declines.
- Monitor corporate earnings and central bank policies, which influence both equity and bond yields.

Conclusion

A $100,000 annual dividend is not merely a financial target but a testament to the power of compounding and disciplined investing. Fidelity's ETFs-FDVV, FIDI, FBND, ONEQ, and FTEC-offer a versatile framework for achieving this goal. By prioritizing long-term dividend growth, diversifying across sectors and geographies, and balancing income with growth, investors can build a passive income powerhouse that thrives in both bull and bear markets. The path to financial independence is not without challenges, but with the right tools and strategy, it is eminently achievable.