When financial news makes the front pages of the broadsheets, 99% of the time it is for the wrong reasons. But when headlines state that billions of pounds have been wiped off stockmarkets, it is important to keep a cool head and take the long view, rather than acting on impulse and converting paper losses into real losses.
Companies around the world handed out a collective $513.8 billion in the second quarter of 2019, marking a new record, according to Janus Henderson’s Global Dividend Index.
While a slowing global economy was a drag on the overall growth of dividend payments, underlying growth still came in at a 4.6%. At the same time, several countries and regions still managed to produce record payments.
But, who are the world’s biggest dividend-paying businesses?
For those who want to get a firmer handle on their personal finances, a simple internet search will bring up scores of money-saving tips that can help individuals cut out unnecessary costs and in turn boost their bank balances.
Similarly, in the world of investment, certain tricks of the trade can help keep the costs of investing to an absolute minimum. In addition, there are simple but very effective ways investors can boost returns, particularly through the use of Isas.
Each quarter, Money Observer takes a look at our active Rated Fund list, providing a breakdown on a sector-by-sector basis.
Our annual tips offer an adventurous selection for seven broad categories of equity-oriented investment trusts, as well as for private equity and specialist trusts.
They also include a tip from each of three investment trust specialists who provide us with valuable research throughout the year.
Our annual tips offer a conservative and an adventurous selection for seven broad categories of equity-oriented investment trusts, as well as for private equity and specialist trusts. They also include a tip from each of three investment trust specialists who provide us with valuable research throughout the year.
Three experts whose research we find particularly helpful all made creditable choices for the last 12 months.
Simon Elliott, head of investment companies at Winterflood Securities, achieved the highest share price total returns with his pick of Monks Investment Trust, up 21 per cent.
- Investment trust portfolios annual review - adventurous tips
More than half of savers are seeing the value of their cash eroded by inflation because they are too scared to invest. Research from Scottish Friendly suggests savers are suffering from ‘investophobia’, avoiding putting their money in the stock market for fear of losing any.
Some 53 per cent of 2,000 savers surveyed say they would not consider investing in stocks and shares, with 49 per cent citing fear of potential losses as the main thing holding them back.
If leading stock markets maintain an upwards trajectory through the rest of 2018, the Association of Investment Companies’ 10-year performance tables could witness some significant changes.
