Uncertainty of Italy’s Political Future Weighing on Global Investors’ Minds

Italy holds ~$2.7 trillion in public debt, and global investors are worried that a new government could implement policies that would weaken the country’s credit status. Though a sovereign debt crisis does not seem probable at this point, bond markets are suggesting that risks are rising. By Brian Nelson, CFA We do not want investors to be worried by events unfolding in Italy (EWI) of late, as they may not be any more significant than the impact of Brexit (EWU) on equity market returns during the past few years. We can’t cast a blind eye to developments either, however, as Italy’s sovereign debt is not-at-all small by any country’s standards (it’s the third-largest in the world), and the political uncertainty … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week of January 19

Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending January 19. The dividend reports of covered firms on this list will be updated shortly with the new information. To access our dividend reports use the ‘Symbol’ search box in our website header. Firms Raising Their Dividends This Week                          Algoma Central (ALC:CA): now CAD 0.19 per share quarterly dividend, was CAD 0.18. Alliant Energy (LNT): now $0.48 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.4525. B&M European Value Retail S.A. (BMRRY): now $0.816 per share, was $0.162. Banco Santander (Brasil) S.A. (BSBR): now $0.083 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.020. Bank of America Corporation Deposit Shs Perp Pfd Shs Series E (BAC.PR.E): now $0.3828 per … Read more