5 ETFs for passive income and the 3 mistakes investors make

Passive income sounds easy in theory: buy a few ETFs, collect the distributions, and let the portfolio do the heavy lifting. In practice, the details matter. In this Australian Investors Podcast episode, Owen Rask sits down with Global X's Marc Jocum to explain how ETF income is actually generated, what investors should look for, and where people can go wrong when they chase yield without understanding the trade-offs. Marc walks through five ETFs worth researching for income-focused investors, including Australian dividend exposure, bank credit, covered calls, and US fixed income. Along the way, he explains why franking credits still matter, why a total-return mindset can be more useful than staring at the biggest yield on the screen, and why diversification across income sources matters more in a higher-rate environment. The conversation also zeroes in on three common mistakes: chasing headline yield, concentrating too heavily in one part of the market, and forgetting that so-called passive income still needs an active portfolio decision upfront. If you want a better framework for building passive income with ETFs in 2026, this episode is a strong place to start. Episode resources – Speak with the Rask Advice team – Ask a question (select the Investors podcast) Show partner resources – ETF investor? Go beyond ordinary with Global X: View all funds – Visit TermPlus to learn more – Have the chance to win a 5k travel voucher. Take the TermPlus survey here (last entry 31st of May) Rask Resources – All services – Financial Planning – Invest with us – Access Show Notes – Ask a question – We love feedback! Follow us on social media – Instagram: @rask.invest – TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices