The Role of Dividends in Equity Markets: Evidence from Sectoral-Level Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to identify how dividend payments affect the U.S. equity market at the sectoral level. A conventional stock valuation model predicts a positive response of equity price to higher dividend payment. Higher dividends convey confidence about the firm’s future to the general investors, which is supported by the signaling hypothesis. Using representative exchange traded funds for 11 sectors in the U.S. along with traditional OLS and panel regression analysis, this paper shows that the stock valuation model is generally confirmed. Eight sectors show positive impacts of dividends with statistical significance found in three sectors; Consumer Staples, Utilities, and Real Estate.

Keywords: Dividend Payment, Sectoral-level ETF, Equity Market Response

JEL Classification: G10, G12