Succinct Summation of Week’s Events 2.26.21 (plus the 5 Best Dividend Stocks)

Below is the usual weekly summary, the high point being COVID infection rate plummeting by 72%, the low note being higher yields on the 10-year Treasury note whacking the stock market and stoking inflation fears. The bonus this Sunday night is of interest to anyone watching the indexes sinking this week with bond yields rising to 1.5% and now being competitive with the S&P dividend index. 

It is from this week's U.S. News Invested a list of 5 stocks that are paying considerably above 1.5%. There's probably a lot more of them out there, but these are a good start. See, it's not really necessary to run to Treasuries after all.  (If you click on the link, there is a great deal more commentary on each of these companies.) Hope everyone had a great weekend.  

Succinct Summation of Week’s Events 2.26.21

February 26, 2021 4:30pm by Barry Ritholtz

Succinct Summations for the week ending February 26th, 2021

Positives:

1. Covid infection rate plummets 72%; USA is closer to herd immunity.
2. FHFA House Price Index rose 1.1% m/o/m, above expectations.
3. Jobless claims fell 111k w/o/w from 841k to 730k.
4. New home sales came in at 923k for January, above expectations.
5. Personal income rose 10.0% m/o/m, above previous increase of 0.6%.
6. Leading economic indicators index rose 0.5% m/o/m, above expectations.
7. Durable goods orders rose 3.4% m/o/m, above expectations.
8. Consumer confidence came in at 91.3 for February, above expectations.

Negatives:

1. Markets anticipating higher inflation and interest rates, whacks Bond market.
2. Pending home sales fell 2.8% m/o/m, below the previous increase.
3. Home mortgage apps fell 12.0% w/o/w, below the previous decrease.
4. Home refinance apps fell 11.0% w/o/w, below the previous decrease.
5. Chicago PMI came in at 59.5 for February, below expectations.
6. Retail inventories fell 0.6% m/o/m, below the previous increase.
7. State Street Investor confidence index came in at 91.9 for February.  

5 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy in March | Stock Market News | US News

 5 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy in March

Amid continued uncertainty, the best dividend stocks to buy now hold up.

By Jeff Reeves, Contributor Feb. 25, 2021, at 12:57 p.m.

5 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy in March

Many experts are anticipating an especially profitable tax season for preparation giant H&R Block. (GETTY IMAGES)

IF 2020 PROVED anything, it's that investors always need to be prepared for the unexpected on Wall Street.

What Is a Good Dividend Payout Ratio?

 

While optimism abounds as the vaccine rollout continues and we cautiously reopen the global economy, big risks remain and uncertainty lingers regarding the months ahead.

In such an environment, the potential of strong dividend stocks is clear. These companies offer consistent cash flow to support regular payouts to shareholders. This acts as both a hedge against share price declines and a cushion to ensure a company has the capital to stay afloat to weather short-term challenges.

The following five income stocks all have decent momentum as we venture further into 2021 and above-average dividends of 3% or more, proving these investments could have what it takes to thrive regardless of how the year plays out:

Exxon Mobil Corp. (ticker: XOM)  6.4%

First Horizon Corp. (FHN)                3.6%

HanesBrands (HBI)                           3.4%

H&R Block (HRB)                              5.4%

Simon Property Group (SPG)          4.5%