Dividend Growth: A Defensive Anchor Amid Volatile Markets

Prepared by Nuveen’s Global Investment Committee, led by CIO Saira Malik, this report examines strategies for navigating market volatility triggered by tariffs, slowing growth, and inflation pressures.

Key Insights:

• Market Stabilization Signs: Volatility (VIX) eased from early-April highs, but remains elevated amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
• Resilient Dividend Growers: Dividend-paying stocks outperformed broader equities during Q1 downturn (-0.7% vs -4.9%) and historically thrive in volatile markets.
• Consumer Sentiment Weakness: Confidence at post-Covid lows raises recession risk, increasing the appeal of defensive equity allocations.

Gain deeper insight into defensive positioning and actionable dividend strategies.