Dividends lag equities, distressed debt continues to build Oct 20, 2020 Dividends lag equities, distressed debt continues to build By Blu Putnam, Chief Economist & Erik Norland, Senior Economist, CME Group Dividends Stagnate Even as Equities Shine S&P 500 dividends grew 40% in 2000s, 155% in 2010s. Expectations for dividends in 2020s have slipped from up 20% to down 10%. Expectations are downcast despite equities recouping pandemic losses. Did quantitative easing cause equities to decouple from dividends? Watch video Distressed Debt: A Growing Risk? Government relief programs allow consumers to skip repayments. The forbearance helps to conserve desperately needed cash. Economy could rebound in Q3, but jobs comeback has slowed. Could build up in distressed debt pose challenge to economy? Watch video SEE MORE ANNOUNCEMENTS