The big trends in dividends

Dr Don Hamson from Plato Investment Management is always on the lookout for the best income opportunities from equities. His research suggests that there has been a 40% increase year on year for the dividends being paid out from the resources sector. "One of the reasons why commodities are doing well is the demand out of Asia, particularly China, for premium quality iron ore, coking coal and thermal coal.” Hamson says this demand is being driven by policies targeting lower emissions from energy generation and that the transition period before renewable energy takes over is a structural driver of demand for premium commodities. In this interview Hamson provides more details on this trend, highlights two obvious candidates for special dividends and one that could surprise.