FTSE 100 dividends fall to lowest level in eight years

Dividend payments now expected to fall for two consecutive years

clock • 3 min read

Dividend payments for FTSE 100 companies are forecast to fall 24% - or £18 billion - in 2020, leaving the total at its lowest level since 2012, according AJ Bell’s latest Dividend Dashboard report.

This means the FTSE 100 is expected to yield 3.5% for 2020, rising to 4.2% in 2021. The report revealed that dividend forecasts for the year have fallen by 10% since June to £56.5 billion, largely the result of BP's decision to slash its second-quarter dividend in half. Dividend payments are now expected to fall for two consecutive years before starting to recover in 2021. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: "In total, 35 members of the index have cut, deferred or cancelled payments for 2020 thanks to the Covid-19 viral outbreak and subsequent recession, while 28 have...

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 Investment

Why the bull market in precious metals may be starting again

Why the bull market in precious metals may be starting again

Silver and gold again – who would have thought it?

Paul Wood
clock 20 May 2026 • 2 min read
Omnis Investments launches passive range for Openwork and 2plan advisers

Omnis Investments launches passive range for Openwork and 2plan advisers

L&G to run day-to-day investment management

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 19 May 2026 • 2 min read
Digital bank Zopa gains targeted support authorisation

Digital bank Zopa gains targeted support authorisation

Receives regulatory approval for investment products

Sophia Panayi
clock 19 May 2026 • 1 min read