Later this week the U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates once again. This could be the first of up to four hikes that the central bank makes this year.
Unfortunately, it is a very different picture back home in Australia where most economists have now ruled out a rate rise in 2018.
This means the paltry interest rates on offer from bank accounts and term deposits are likely to be here for quite a bit longer.
But don't worry because the local share market has a number of quality dividend shares for investors to choose from. Here are three that I like right now:
Japara Healthcare Ltd (ASX: JHC)
Although this aged care operator's performance has been a touch disappointing of late and recently led to a full-year guidance downgrade, I believe that in the long-term its shares have the potential to provide strong total returns thanks to its generous dividend and the increasing demand it is experiencing from Australia's ageing population. At the current share price Japara's shares provide a trailing fully franked 5% dividend.
Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)
I remain confident that Telstra will be able to maintain its 22 cents per share dividend for the next two to three years thanks largely to its cost saving initiatives. After which, a lot will depend on the success of the company's investments, the impact of 5G internet, and whether the Federal Government writes down the value of the NBN. The latter is expected to increase margins for telco providers if it happens. At the current price, Telstra's shares provide a fully franked 6.5% dividend.
Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)
While there is a risk that the Royal Commission could find a skeleton in the closet, I remain confident that nothing truly untoward will come of it. So the recent weakness in Australia's oldest bank's share price could arguably be a buying opportunity for investors with limited exposure to the banking exposure. Especially with Westpac's shares providing a trailing fully franked 6.4% dividend.
