Global Dividend Payout Hits Record $518.7 Billion in Q3
Sector data reveals that nearly half of global dividend growth in Q3 came from financials, which posted 11% core growth.
Quick overview
- Global dividend payments reached a record high of $518.7 billion in Q3 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year of quarterly dividend records.
- Core dividends increased by 6.1% year over year, with financials, software, and transportation leading the growth.
- The U.S. saw a record $179.3 billion in dividend payments, while Europe experienced mixed results with Poland and Spain driving growth.
- Overall, 88% of companies globally either raised or maintained their dividends, reflecting strong market resilience.
The global stock market boom continues to pay off for investors — literally. According to Capital Group’s latest Dividend Watch Q3 2025, worldwide dividend payments reached an all-time high of $518.7 billion in the third quarter.
“Core” dividends (excluding specials and currency effects) rose 6.1% year over year, while total growth reached 6.2%.
Capital Group reports strong momentum across the U.S., Asia, and Europe, while Australia, China, and the U.K. showed weakness. Financials, software, and transportation were the top contributors to global dividend growth.
This marks the fourth straight year of uninterrupted quarterly dividend records. The report highlights the value of global diversification, giving investors access to consistent dividend engines like the United States — supported by broad market strength and resilient earnings — as well as high-growth sectors and regions such as Europe.
Regional Breakdown
- United States: Dividend payments hit a record $179.3 billion, even as core growth slowed slightly to 5.7%. The U.S. dividend expansion streak remains remarkably steady: in the last 15 years, only two consecutive quarters have seen declines — both during the pandemic (Q3 2020 and Q1 2021).
- Europe: In a relatively quiet season, Poland and Spain accounted for half of the region’s double-digit core dividend growth (+10.2%). France and the Netherlands lagged behind. Year-to-date, European dividends have risen 6.1%, matching the global average.
Sector Performance
Sector data reveals that nearly half of global dividend growth in Q3 came from financials, which posted 11% core growth — double the rate of all other sectors combined (5.5%).
Between January and September, banks, diversified financials, and insurers were the top contributors in absolute dollar terms, adding $44 billion to global payouts.
Overall, 88% of companies worldwide either raised or maintained their dividends in Q3, with average dividend growth of 5.7%.
- Check out our free forex signals
- Follow the top economic events on FX Leaders economic calendar
- Trade better, discover more Forex Trading Strategies
- Open a FREE Trading Account
