Every now and then I like to take a look at the highest yielding stocks in the market. Not to buy them of course, because the dividend yield on its own is a crude tool at the best of times. Instead, I’m interested in finding out which companies have crashed and burned, and what lessons…
With inflation reaching 3% in September, alarm bells may now be ringing in the ears of many income investors. It is now more difficult than it has been for a number of years to obtain a real income return. Looking ahead, the task could become more difficult as there may only be limited scope for…
The tobacco industry faces tighter regulation and increasingly health-conscious consumers. However, it continues to offer a highly sustainable source of income for the long term. The potential for a rising absolute number of smokers across the world, pricing power and defensive characteristics mean that it is likely to remain a haven for income investors in…
The outlook for the supermarket sector continues to be challenging. Inflation has moved ahead of wage growth and this could cause a squeeze on real disposable incomes. The effect of this on shopping habits could be negative, with shoppers likely to become increasingly price-conscious. Supermarkets may be left with a choice as to whether lower…
Developing a successful brand, or indeed a range of successful brands, is a key corporate goal for many businesses. Not only can a good quality brand deliver high margins and consistent cashflow, it can also help a company to create a valuable “economic moat”. This refers to the ability of a business to maintain a…
While shares generally make up the bulk of most people’s investment portfolios, some investors may be tempted by alternative assets. They could include items such as rare stamps, classic cars or fine wines, for example. As well as offering diversity, such assets could deliver high returns in the long run. For example, over the last…
After buying a house, many people feel a desire to try to repay their mortgage as quickly as possible. This may be because overpaying a mortgage each month will reduce the amount repaid in the long run, or because it means the person in question is mortgage-free sooner than they otherwise would be. However, the…
Hurricane Harvey brought biblical floods to Houston. Ten days later, Hurricane Irma devastated the Caribbean. Were these freak storms the direct consequence of man-made climate change? What lessons can we learn to prepare for extreme weather events in the future? Who will be the key players in a world of freak weather? And can the insurers cope with this…
With inflation moving back up to 2.9% in August, obtaining a real return may become more difficult for investors. Certainly, there are a number of popular income shares which are likely to offer income returns in excess of inflation. However, they may become more in-demand if inflation keeps rising, and this may cause their yields…
As dividend stocks go, life insurance companies have a mixed track record. On the one hand, they operate in a sector which is relatively immune to the economic cycle (people don’t typically cancel their life insurance just because there’s a recession). On the other hand, dividend cuts are fairly common within the sector, despite its…
