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My 3 key takeaways from the week – ASX bank dividends & Telstra on watch

The S&P/ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) finished broadly flat for the week whilst US stock markets continue to reach new heights.

Here are my three key investor takeaways from the week.

Good signs for dividends

If the experiences of the US investment banks are any sort of guide, the Australian banking sector may be in for a dividend bonanza in the next 12 months; whether they catch up to last year’s levels is a bigger question though.

In the US last week we saw multiple banks double their dividend payouts after passing regulatory stress tests and following the release of dividend restrictions applied during the pandemic.

The massive loan growth, powered by low interest rates, combined with banks simplifying their business models, may bode well for dividend-starved investors, at least in the short term.

But over the long-term, their business models continue to be marginalised by more nimble competitors.

Tide turning for stalwarts

The week also saw the tide turn for a number of ‘boring’ stalwarts.

Both Boral Limited (ASX: BLD) and Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) have been on a strong run lately with investors finally willing to accept Andy Penn’s vision for the future.

The sale of 49% of Telstra’s telecommunication towers, much earlier than expected, and for a solid price was a positive first step, whilst its product simplification is clearly paying dividends.

Property on fire for some

Sticking with the financial sector, May data has shown that investment lending for housing hit its strongest level since June 2015, with loan growth jumping 13.3 per cent in May.

This was an acceleration from the 2.1% in April and shows that first home buyers are once again being usurped by more aggressive investors.

The Golden Rules of Investing

We might be experts in retirement, but with combined financial advice experience of 35+ years, we’ve nearly seen it all. 

In mid-2023, our senior team at Wattle Partners Financial Planning put the finishing touches on a brand-new report “The Golden Rules of Investing“.

In this free report, we outline the key principles that determine all of the portfolio construction and investment decisions of Wattle Partners. Collated over decades, this paper should be seen as a work-in-progress, constantly under review in light of the ever-evolving nature of markets. 

You’ll find the free report on my Author page. Simply click the button below to view the Golden Rules.

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At the time of publishing, the author of this article does not have a financial or commercial interest in any of the companies mentioned.

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Wattle Partners is a financial advice firm, servicing clients around Australia, specialising in retirement planning (pre and post retirement). 

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