Companies paid record $1.43tn in dividends in 2019

Rise driven by strong market performances in North America and emerging economies

Companies paid out a record $1.43tn (£1.10tn) in dividends to shareholders around the world last year.

The record-breaking annual dividend payout from listed companies was driven by strong performances in stock markets in North America and emerging economies, including by some unusually high special dividends, although global economic uncertainty slowed the annual pace of growth. The total payment was 3.5% higher than in 2018.