Dividends paid around the world grew in impressive fashion last year, rising 11% to $1.167 trillion. In terms of growth, the U.S. led the way with $52 billion in increases.
On a regional basis, North American dividends rose 15% to $392 billion, but U.K. firms once again offered excellent dividend growth. Payouts there surged 31% to $135 billion, according to Henderson Global Investors. [International Dividend ETF Pops]
PID is also attractively valued relative to U.S. stocks with a P/E ratio of just 11.2 compared to about 17 for the S&P 500. The $1.5 billion ETF has a trailing 12-month yield of 2.66%, or 75 basis points above the S&P 500. Home to 87 stocks, PID has an annual expense ratio of 0.54% per year.
PowerShares International Dividend Achievers Portfolio
