By Alex McGuire, Associate Editor, Money Morning • @AlexMcGuire92 - • Print | Email
REITs are companies that own or finance income-producing real estate, and investing in REITs is an effective strategy for earning passive income.
Still, many investors believe REITs will underperform as an interest rate hike lingers on the horizon.
Here's why that couldn't be further from the truth...
By Kyle Anderson, Associate Editor, Money Morning • @KyleAndersonMM - • Print | Email
Income inequality in many countries around the world, including the United States, has reached record highs. This according to a new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The report analyzed how much the top 10% of each country earns compared to the bottom 10%.
Here are the 10 countries where income inequality is worst...
By David Zeiler, Associate Editor, Money Morning • @DavidGZeiler - • Print | Email
Low-risk, high-return investments have become scarce in the low-interest environment that followed the 2008 financial crisis.
Nearly seven years of zero-interest rate policies by the U.S. Federal Reserve returns have dragged down returns on all interest-dependent investments to the point where they're almost not worth the bother.But the need for income-producing high-yield investments has not gone away.
Here are three categories with the best prospects...
By Keith Fitz-Gerald, Chief Investment Strategist, Money Map Report - • Print | Email
Many people are surprised to learn that dividend income and reinvestment can account for nearly 90% of total stock market returns over time.
That's right. Not a quarter… Not half… But 90%.
But the potential returns we can bank with this simple method can be much, much higher...
By Diane Alter, Contributing Writer, Money Morning - • Print | Email
Monthly dividend stocks are growing in popularity. They offer investors all the benefits of traditional dividend-paying stocks, like predictable income, capital appreciation potential, and a buffer against market volatility.
But they send out payments each month rather than on a quarterly basis.
A growing number of companies recognize the value of delivering dividends to shareholders on a more frequent schedule.
Here are four monthly dividend stocks to consider...
By Diane Alter, Contributing Writer, Money Morning - • Print | Email
Stocks that pay dividends are a top choice for income in today's low-interest environment.
Compare dividend stocks to the income alternatives. U.S. Treasury yields sit near historic lows. Nearly 22% of total developed market countries' debt carries a negative yield.
Meanwhile, most stocks that pay dividends have increased yields. And they offer investors the chance at capital appreciation.
By Diane Alter, Contributing Writer, Money Morning - • Print | Email
Special dividends – separate one-time payouts in addition to a company's regular (if any) dividend – are on the rise. Special dividend payment amounts jumped 49% from January through September 2014.
Special dividends are typically larger than normal dividend payouts. Companies usually declare them after an especially strong quarter or year, or when their cash reserve grows significantly.
Here are the nine companies that announced special dividends during the week ending Feb. 6.
By Diane Alter, Contributing Writer, Money Morning - • Print | Email
Dividend Investing News, Feb. 9, 2015: Stocks that sport attractive and growing dividends are still the best option for income seekers as interest rates remain low.
More than half of S&P 500 companies currently yield more than the 10-year Treasury note's 1.93%. Plus, dividend stocks offer an added bonus of potential capital appreciation.
By Diane Alter, Contributing Writer, Money Morning - • Print | Email
Last week's Dow Jones performance is yet another reason to buy stocks that pay dividends. The index shed nearly 500 points.
Dividend payers tend to be less volatile than nonpayers and hold up better when the market slips. In 2008, dividend-paying stocks lost an average of 39% on a total-return basis. But nonpayers shed 45.4%. In 2002, nonpayers plunged 30.3%. Dividend stocks lost just 10.9%.
Here's a list of 33 notable payout hikes and special dividends from the week ending Jan. 30, 2015...
By Alex McGuire, Associate Editor, Money Morning • @AlexMcGuire92 - • Print | Email
As bond yields continue to decrease, high-yield investments become more attractive every day.
There are several reasons for declining bond yields today. Both the ruble crisis in Russia and falling global oil prices have been major contributors.
That's why high-yield investments offer a better profit opportunity now.
Not only do these three picks operate in growing industries, they reward investors every quarter...
