2023年8月17日,

2023年8月16日10:45點市場揮發性固體後7月8月是不確定性對未來經濟的健康和美聯儲的行動與加息投資者繼續關注。標準普爾500指數和納斯達克綜合指數上周收低0.3%和1.9%,分別,而道瓊斯指數上漲0.6%。多種因素使投資者擔心。同時,核心CPI,剔除波動性較大的食品和能源成本,7月逐月上漲0.2%。這是第一次在12個月的CPI反映增加。雖然7月消費者價格的上漲是適度的,這再一次讓美聯儲有機會繼續加息。通貨膨脹在12個月穩步下降達到9.1%的2022年6月,但仍高,很多高於美聯儲設定的2%的目標水平。同時,生產者價格指數(PPI) 7月逐月增長0.3%,高於分析師普遍預計的增長0.2%。年7月PPI同比增長0.8%。核心PPI較上月增加,不包括波動劇烈的食品和能源價格,7月上漲0.2%,增加2月以來最高水準。 Year over year, the core PPI rose 2.7% in July. Stocks are scrambling to find direction as investors are still unclear about the Fed’s future course of action. Market participants have been hopeful that the Fed could soon end its current interest rate hike campaign as inflation is finally cooling. However, the Fed resumed its interest rate hike in July. Also, last week, concerns grew over the health of the nation’s banks and the economy after credit rating agency Moody’s downgraded several major lenders and kept six banks on review for potential downgrades. Our Choices Given this situation, investing in dividend-paying stocks would be a prudent choice. The ability of dividend stocks to withstand market volatility is attributed to their sound business strategy and track record. An astute investor should thus want to focus on stocks that have recently increased their dividend payouts. Four such stocks are Nordson Corporation NDSN , EnerSys ENS , Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. MLM and Badger Meter, Inc. BMI . Nordson Corporation is one of the leading manufacturers as well as distributors of products and systems designed to dispense, apply and control adhesives, coatings, polymers, sealants, biomaterials and other fluids. NDSN’s product line includes single-use components, stand-alone units for low-volume operations and microprocessor-based automated systems for high-speed, high-volume production lines. On Aug 9, Nordson Corporation announced that its shareholders would receive a dividend of $0.68 a share on Sep 5, 2023. NDSN has a dividend yield of 1.08%. Over the past five years, Nordson Corporation has increased its dividend six times, and its payout ratio at present sits at 28% of earnings. Check Nordson Corporation’s dividend history here . EnerSys engages in manufacturing, marketing and distribution of various industrial batteries. Additionally, ENS develops battery chargers and accessories, power equipment and outdoor cabinet enclosures. This apart, EnerSys provides support services for clients. On Aug 9, EnerSys declared that its shareholders would receive a dividend of $0.23 a share on Sep 29, 2023. ENS has a dividend yield of 0.73%. Over the past five years, EnerSys has increased its dividend once, and its payout ratio at present sits at 1% of earnings. Check EnerSys’ dividend history here . Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. produces and supplies construction aggregates and other heavy building materials, mainly cement, in the United States. The end uses of the company’s aggregates and cement are infrastructure, private residential and private non-residential construction. MLM currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). On Aug 10, Martin Marietta Materials declared that its shareholders would receive a dividend of $0.74 a share on Sep 29, 2023. MLM has a dividend yield of 0.57%. Over the past five years, Martin Marietta Materials has increased its dividend six times, and its payout ratio at present sits at 17% of earnings. Check Martin Marietta Materials’ dividend history here . Badger Meter, Inc. provides flow measurement, control and communications solutions, serving water and gas utilities, municipalities and industrial customers worldwide. BMI’s products measure water, oil, chemicals, and other fluids, and are known for accuracy, long-lasting durability and for providing valuable and timely measurement data. On Aug 11, Badger Meter announced that its shareholders would receive a dividend of $0.27 a share on Sep 8, 2023. BMI has a dividend yield of 0.53%. Over the past five years, Badger Meter has increased its dividend six times, and its payout ratio at present sits at 34% of earnings. Check Badger Meter’s dividend history here .