The UK has a strong record for dividend-paying companies, with average yields far outshining those of their US peers, for example. In recent years, European companies have increasingly been on income-seekers shopping lists, while certain emerging-market firms are also desirable. Rather than restrict their portfolio to only those UK-listed companies that can easily be purchased individually, many investors are increasingly looking further afield to bolster their income stream and are able to access these international dividends through their fund manager.
The regional diversification of global equity funds makes them suitable as core positions in a portfolio. And there are several funds, focusing on generating regular income by investing in global dividend-paying companies, which have earned favourable accolades from Morningstar analysts.
These three funds boast our highest analyst ratings of Gold or Silver.
M&G Global Dividend GBP – Silver
Manager
Stuart Rhodes
Ongoing Charge
1.66%
Annualised 3-year Return
9.12% per year
12-month Yield
3.61%
Dividend-paying Frequency
Quarterly
Minimum Initial Investment
£500
ISA-eligibility
Yes
Morningstar Analyst Quicktake
This global dividend fund has a strong record of outperformance, even in market environments where income investing has been out of favour. The fund has delivered excellent returns relative to peers in successive calendar years since launch, whilst still managing to achieve a yield greater than the MSCI AC World index.
Newton Global Income GBP – Silver
Manager
James Harries, Nick Clay
Ongoing Charge
1.62%
Annualised 3-year Return
9.07% per year
12-month Yield
4.39%
Dividend-paying Frequency
Quarterly
Minimum Initial Investment
£1,000
ISA-eligibility
Yes
Morningstar Analyst Quicktake
Despite a tough 2013, we think this remains a strong choice for investors. Harries’ tenure he has successfully navigated the fund through different market cycles and we think his ability to do this, particularly during periods when other income managers have found it difficult to keep up with growth, bodes well for this fund's future.
Veritas Global Equity Income GBP – Gold
Manager
Charles Richardson, Andrew Headley
Ongoing Charge
1.65%
Annualised 3-year Return
4.79%
12-month Yield
4.51%
Dividend-paying Frequency
Twice a year
Minimum Initial Investment
£7,000
ISA-eligibility
Yes
Morningstar Analyst Quicktake
This fund ranks amongst the strongest offerings in its sector. The real-return focus has driven the fund to strong returns during both rising and falling markets over its lifespan thus far, and given our understanding of the managers’ investment style and focus on margins of safety, we are not overly concerned about 2013’s performance.