When people ask me what I care about. I always say income. That is because I do not have to think about Capital unless I need it. So, when I see markets tanking as they are today, I don't worry about capital, I start to think about income opportunities. Take Vodafone which annoyingly has not fallen today. Probably because investors like me are greedily eyeballing the dividends that go ex in 1 week. The interim and the special of 7.05p combined. Followed by another 7p in June when it goes ex if analysts are to be believed. Thats 14p in 7 months against a share price of 176p. I am happy with that.

Vodafone have promised to increase dividends by at least 7% (that beats inflation - we hope!)for the next two years and whose to say Verizon will not pay a dividend next year resulting in another windfall for shareholders.

Lets not forget that Vodafone are also buying back their own shares.

So, what are people doing. Well, panicking really...flying to safety...bank deposits and bonds.

Who would you rather have your money with - Vodafone or Lloyds or even RBS

The British government?
The US Government?

Well, i might consider those options if they were paying a premium to what i can get from Vodafone. I think I know which one is safer.

So, a bank might pay you 1% if you are lucky. Short term UK gilts will give you half a percent. 10 year gilts 2.5%..Inflation is running at 5%...

That's why I formed dividendmax. It does not make sense.

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