Global dividends reach record $827.3 billion in Q2 2026

Global dividend payments reached a record $827.3 billion in the second quarter of 2026, marking a 7.9% increase compared to the previous year. According to the Capital Group Dividend Watch report, this single-quarter total exceeds the entire annual dividend volume seen in 2011.

Growth was widespread, with 88% of companies maintaining or increasing their dividends, averaging a 6% rise. The technology sector saw the most significant underlying growth at 26.3%, driven largely by the artificial intelligence boom and its impact on the semiconductor supply chain. Nvidia is noted as a major contributor to this trend.

In Spain, dividends grew by 16.6% to reach $19.4 billion, primarily supported by the financial sector and companies like BBVA. In Italy, dividend volumes reached $23.7 billion, though total growth was recorded at 0.9%. The financial sector globally contributed $26 billion in distributions, representing a 10.1% increase.