UK headline dividends have declined for the first time since 2015, falling 2.1% in the second quarter of 2018, according to the latest quarterly dividend monitor from Link Asset Services.
The report said year-on-year headline dividends fell to £32.6bn as a result of lower special dividends. Link said special dividends were £1.9bn during the quarter, which was deemed "healthy" but lower than the above-average special dividends of £3.2bn that were paid out in Q2 2017. However, the administration solutions provider said this was not a "cause for alarm" as underlying dividends - which exclude special dividends - saw a sharp rise of 7.1% to a record £30.7bn. Particularly strong growth this year came from the mining sector where headline dividends grew 95% thanks to Glenc...
To continue reading this article...
Join Professional Adviser for free
- Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
- Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
- Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
- Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
- Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
- Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes