UK Dividend Monitor: Headline dividends fall for first time in three years

Stronger underlying dividends

Laura Dew
clock • 2 min read

UK headline dividends have declined for the first time since 2015, falling 2.1% in the second quarter of 2018, according to the latest quarterly dividend monitor from Link Asset Services.

The report said year-on-year headline dividends fell to £32.6bn as a result of lower special dividends. Link said special dividends were £1.9bn during the quarter, which was deemed "healthy" but lower than the above-average special dividends of £3.2bn that were paid out in Q2 2017. However, the administration solutions provider said this was not a "cause for alarm" as underlying dividends - which exclude special dividends - saw a sharp rise of 7.1% to a record £30.7bn. Particularly strong growth this year came from the mining sector where headline dividends grew 95% thanks to Glenc...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Equities

Alexandra Jackson: UK equities - going beyond the narrative

Alexandra Jackson: UK equities - going beyond the narrative

Economic recovery takes hold

Alexandra Jackson
clock 04 March 2026 • 3 min read
Love is… picking the right stock

Love is… picking the right stock

'We genuinely love each and every one of these companies when we take an initial position'

Gabriel Sacks
clock 13 February 2026 • 4 min read
Partner Insight: Can hedged equities turn volatility into opportunity?

Partner Insight: Can hedged equities turn volatility into opportunity?

You can't apply a static solution to a dynamic problem. Markets are constantly changing, and the way a portfolio is constructed needs to reflect that. Learn more about the role that hedged equities play in our multi-asset funds, helping to balance risk and return more effectively.

Orbis Investments
clock 28 October 2025 • 5 min read