Australian companies paid $40.3 billion in dividends last year, nearly double the amount paid in 2012. the largest increase among the 10 biggest developed equity markets. [Australian Dividend Growth]
Australia’s status as one of the best ex-U.S. developed market dividend destinations increases the allure of the newest Australia ETF, the SPDR MSCI Australia Quality Mix ETF (NYSEArca: QAUS).
QAUS debuted in June as part of a six-ETF suite of single-country ETFs from State Street Global Advisors emphasizing the quality factor. QUAS and its five stablemates track MSCI Indices. The quality factor “captures excess returns to stocks that are characterized by low debt, stable earnings growth and other ‘quality’ metrics,” according to MSCI.
QAUS’ underlying index sports a dividend yield of 4.25% and the ETF features a combined weight 53.4% to the financial services and materials sectors, both of which are significant contributors to Australia’s dividend growth story.
iShares MSCI Australia ETF
