Given the paltry savings rates on offer from term deposits at the Big 4 banks many Australians will rightly want to secure higher returns from any spare cash they have set aside.
Moreover, interest rates are likely to head lower before they head higher and today's low rate environment is likely to be here for another 1-2 years at least.
Fortunately the ASX offers some reliable dividend stocks that will provide higher returns than bank deposits and could offer some capital growth along the way.
Below I have listed four that I consider to be among the most reliable for conservatively-minded investors to buy today.
Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL) is the investment conglomerate that has increased its dividend every year for the last 15 years. The group also owns a quarter of high-flying telco TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM). Market analysts are forecasting a payout of 52 cents per shares in FY16, which means the stock yields more than 3% when selling for $16.75.
Scentre Group Ltd (ASX: SCG) runs the Australia and New Zealand Westfield shopping centres, which are market-leading and offer defensive earnings. The group's secure cashflows and development program are likely to deliver income growth through the economic cycles. It currently offers a yield in the region of 4.8%.
Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) is the giant telco that enjoys several tailwinds as internet and data use continue to soar alongside the growth of cloud computing. It also still posseses the dominant mobile network in Australia and at $5.24 the shares are now at a reasonable valuation. The current yield is a fully franked 5.8%.
Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) is the founder-led fund manager that is growing quickly and enjoys the tailwind of Australia's infinitely growing superannuation sector. The group also offers overseas exposure and leverage to a strengthening US economy. Selling for $22.47 the shares look on a reasonable valuation and I expect will yield in the region of a fully franked 4.5% over the current financial year.
