Top Dividend Stocks for Steady Income and Long-Term Growth

Investing $5,000 in high-yield dividend stocks like AGNC Investment, Energy Transfer, and Medical Properties Trust can generate nearly $500 in extra income by 2025, significantly more than the $60 from an S&P 500 index fund. AGNC, a REIT, invests in low-risk mortgage-backed securities and uses leverage to enhance returns, while Energy Transfer, an MLP, owns stable cash-flow-generating energy assets. These investments offer higher yields due to their business models and market conditions.