Global dividends hit new record in Q1 but UK lags global average

Dividends paid out by global corporates through the first three months of the year totalled over $263bn, 7.8% higher than the corresponding period in 2018 on a headline basis. Janus Henderson's Global Dividend index climbed to an all-time high of 190.1, meaning dividend payments have almost doubled since the index was devised in 2009. On an underlying basis, which adjusts the figures for special dividends, index changes and currency and timing effects, growth was a solid 7.5% as higher specials were offset by exchange rate movements. The growth rate "reflects a continuation of the ...