How crashing dividend stocks can improve your chances of becoming a millionaire

Buying dividend stocks today could improve your total returns in the long run, and boost your prospects of making a million.

a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Buying dividend stocks that have fallen in price during the recent market crash could be viewed as a risky move by some investors. Their prices may move lower in the short run depending on how news regarding coronavirus progresses.

However, many dividend stocks now offer high yields that could catalyse your portfolio's performance. Furthermore, they may offer capital growth potential as the world economy recovers. This may increase your chances of making a million in the long run.

High yields

Many income stocks now offer high dividend yields that are in excess of their historic averages. In some cases, their dividends may be unreliable due to uncertain operating conditions within their respective industries. However, some dividends appear to be relatively resilient and may be paid as usual over the coming months.

Buying a selection of dividend shares is not only worthwhile for income-seeking investors. The past performance of the stock market shows that a large proportion of its total returns have been derived from the reinvestment of dividends. As such, for investors who are seeking to generate a seven-figure nest egg in the long run, buying high-yielding stocks today could prove to be a highly profitable move.

Capital growth

Low interest rates look set to remain in place over the medium term. Policymakers may be concerned about the prospects for the economy, which could lead to them adopting a supportive monetary policy for many months.

This may cause the returns on income-producing assets such as cash and bonds to remain at highly unattractive levels for some time. The end result could be that investor demand for high-yielding dividend stocks is high, which may lead to them producing impressive levels of capital growth.

Furthermore, in many cases high yields indicate that stocks offer good value for money. Therefore, through buying equities when they are cheap, investors may be able to profit from their eventual recovery over the long run.

Recovery prospects

While a recovery for any stock is not guaranteed, the track record of the stock market suggests that it is highly likely over the long run. Previous bear markets and economic recessions have been exceptionally painful for many investors, businesses and consumers at the time. However, global GDP growth has always recovered, and the stock market has always gone on to produce new record highs through a bull market.

In the coming years, an economic recovery seems likely. Fiscal and monetary policy stimulus has already been announced, and this could produce rising asset prices. As such, buying a selection of income stocks today could be a means of capitalising on the recovery potential for global equities. It could improve your long-term financial prospects, and increase your chances of building a portfolio valued at over a million.

Motley Fool contributor Peter Stephens has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

Broker looking at the share price.
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

The benchmark index is expected to end the week in the red.

Read more »

A woman wearing headphones looks delighted and animated on news she's receiving from her mobile phone that she is holding close to her face.
Share Gainers

Why Brainchip, Fortescue, Mesoblast, and QBE shares are racing higher today

These shares are starting the year in a positive fashion. But why?

Read more »

a man weraing a suit sits nervously at his laptop computer biting into his clenched hand with nerves, and perhaps fear.
Share Fallers

Why Catapult, DroneShield, Lendlease, and Weebit Nano shares are sinking today

These shares are starting the year in the red. What's happening?

Read more »

group of friends jump on the beach
Broker Notes

6 ASX All Ords shares lifted to 'strong buy' consensus ratings for the new year

Brokers upgraded these ASX stocks last month.

Read more »

A man holds his head in his hands, despairing at the bad result he's reading on his computer.
Share Fallers

These were the 5 worst performing ASX 200 shares in 2024

Why did investors sell off these shares last year? Let's find out.

Read more »

Happy woman holding white house model in hand and pointing to it with a pen.
Share Market News

How ASX shares vs. property performed in December

The median Australian home value fell for the first time in almost two years last month.

Read more »

A man wearing glasses sits back in his desk chair with his hands behind his head staring smiling at his computer screens as the ASX share prices keep rising
Best Shares

Did you own the 5 best ASX All Ordinaries shares of 2024?

The ASX All Ords Index slightly outperformed the benchmark ASX 200 in 2024.

Read more »

A male ASX 200 broker wearing a blue shirt and black tie holds one hand to his chin with the other arm crossed across his body as he watches stock prices on a digital screen while deep in thought
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

Here's what to expect when the market returns in 2025.

Read more »