With major U.S. indexes hovering near record highs, many investors are increasingly turning to high-income dividend stocks to balance growth and income. This strategic shift aims to secure reliable, consistent income to act as a defensive stabilizer against potential market volatility. However, rather than simply hunting for the highest yields, a preferred 2026 strategy for long-term investors is focusing on dividend growth and companies with a track record of not only maintaining but also increasing their payouts. Studies have shown that…