AMP Asset Manager Upholds Dividend Strategy After 15-Year Bull Run
AMP•Ameriprise's Columbia Threadneedle lead manager Mike Barclay said equity income strategies still deliver through-the-cycle returns despite a 15-year bull run and falling yields. Fidelity's Ramona Persaud and JPMorgan's Andrew Brandon noted dividend stocks act as volatility shock absorbers during high inflation, providing downside protection and smoother returns.
1. Dividend Investing Reaffirmed
At a conference in Chicago, portfolio managers from AMP's Columbia Threadneedle, Fidelity and JPMorgan emphasized that dividend-focused strategies remain relevant despite prolonged equity rallies and lower overall yield trends.
2. Columbia Threadneedle Maintains Equity Income Focus
Mike Barclay, lead manager of the Columbia Dividend Income Strategy at the Ameriprise-owned asset manager, stated that dividend cycles will ebb and flow but remain essential in client portfolios based on direct feedback.
3. Dividends as Volatility Mitigators
Fidelity portfolio manager Ramona Persaud highlighted that dividend-paying stocks serve as shock absorbers during periods of high inflation, smoothing returns and offering downside protection compared with more volatile allocations.
4. Through-the-Cycle Performance Emphasized
JPMorgan managing director Andrew Brandon noted that equity income funds under his management have outperformed benchmarks across full economic cycles, spotlighting their role in delivering consistent, long-term returns.
