Forex Flash: High dividend stocks retain luster – Goldman Sachs

FXstreet.com (Barcelona) - According to the Economics Research Team at Goldman Sachs, “We continue to like high dividend yield stocks and with more easing of global financial conditions, bond yields are close to their cycle lows and credit spreads remain tight as the search for yield intensifies.”

10-year Treasuries have rallied to below 1.75% on the back of QE in Japan and weaker global growth data – credit spreads are likely to remain tight as a result. With the yield opportunity set in fixed income shrinking further, investors are pushed up the risk curve and within equities high dividend yield stocks are often their first choice due to their attractive yield compared to other asset classes and as they are more bond-like, with more total return upfront and less from future growth.

“They are also perceived to be less risky and more defensive – this move up the risk curve has probably also contributed to the outperformance of defensives vs. cyclicals year-to-date in Europe and the US.” the team adds.