One small positive from the recent market volatility is that it has widened the yields of a number of popular dividend shares.
Three that I think are well worth considering today are listed below. Here's why I like them:
Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)
Accent Group is the retail group behind popular footwear chains including The Athlete's Foot, Platypus, and HYPEDC. In addition to these retail chains, it also holds the exclusive license to a number of popular international footwear brands such as Vans in Australia. Its shares currently offer a generous trailing fully franked 4.8% dividend. I believe there's a strong chance this dividend could increase again this year based on the solid start the company has had to FY 2019 and its expansion plans.
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP)
This mining giant's shares currently offer income investors a trailing fully franked 4.8% yield. While there are concerns that a trade war could slow global economic growth, reduce demand for commodities, and put pressure on prices, I'm optimistic that a crisis will be averted and allow BHP to deliver another solid profit again in FY 2019. In addition to this, in the coming weeks its shale asset divestment is due to complete and the company is expected to announce its plans for the funds raised. Many are expecting BHP to announce a special dividend and major share buyback program.
Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)
One of my favourite dividend shares on the ASX would have to be Rural Funds Group. It is an agricultural-focused real estate investment trust which has a diverse portfolio of assets across numerous agricultural sectors. A positive performance in FY 2018 allowed the Rural Funds board to increase its distribution to 10 cents per unit. This year management has provided organic earnings growth guidance of 4% and plans to pay a distribution of 10.43 cents per unit. This equates to a forward yield of 4.9%.
