The case for Europe builds in line with income
Two separate research studies continue to build the investment case for Europe, with one demonstrating the importance of dividends as a stabilising factor for total returns.
Two separate research studies continue to build the investment case for Europe, with one demonstrating the importance of dividends as a stabilising factor for total returns.
The AIC has reported that 24% of its long-term members have increased dividends consistently in each of the past 10 years, including Foreign & Colonial, Witan and Scottish Investment Trust.
Firms smashed a record $1trn in dividend payouts in 2013, reflecting growth in equity income around the world.
Investors have expressed disappointment over Lloyds announcement that it is unlikely to reinstate its dividend policy before the second half of the year.
Fund managers are eyeing Vodafone shares again after its history-making cash pay-out to shareholders.
Sarasin & Partners targets the increasing investment opportunities for equity income investors with the launch of two new global funds.
Prospects for dividend growth look promising in 2014 with UK blue-chip and mid-cap companies expected to increase payouts by 4.5% to £72.4bn, according to data analysis group Markit.
The number of dividend payers – and the level of dividend payment – in the US might be growing rapidly but we believe some of these companies are expensive or poor quality.
A company can giveth as easily as it can taketh away so it is not enough to identify a high dividend yield as its dividend sustainability is arguably an even more important factor.
Private investors can expect lower dividends in 2013 than they received last year as big special dividends come to an end and investor market share drops from 11.3% to 11%.
Aberdeen has increased its interim dividend by 36% to 6p per share following a 34% increase in profits over the past 12 months.
GAM reported a reduction in net profit for 2012, with share dividend payments remaining at 2011 levels, the firm’s annual statement reported.