Dividends paid by listed companies across the globe hit their highest third quarter level on record in 2017, according to the latest report from asset manager Janus Henderson.

There was growth almost across the board, adding up to a year-on-year increase of 14.5% in the period to $328.1bn.

UK dividends made a comeback despite some of the uncertainty caused by Brexit. Underlying growth, stripping out the impact of currency and special dividends, came in at 17.5%, the fastest in the world.

Ben Lofthouse, global equity income fund manager at Janus Henderson says: ‘In recent years it has been rare to see dividends growing in every region of the world at the same time.

‘As the global economy continues its long-awaited post-crisis normalisation, confidence is improving, and company profits are rising. Income investors are enjoying the benefits of this growth, as it feeds through into higher dividends.’

Investors looking to play the global income theme can choose from a large selection of funds. Examples include M&G Global Dividend (GB00B39R2R32) and Henderson International Income Trust (HINT). (TS)

‹ Previous2017-11-23Next ›