| UK dividends are projected to reach £88.8bn, up 1.5% year-on-year | Underlying growth suggests resilience despite macroeconomic headwinds | Global payouts are expected to rise 2.9% to $2.47trn |
Following growth of 1.3% in the fourth quarter and total headline payouts of £87.5bn in 2025, UK dividend expectations for the year ahead are positive, according to the latest dividend monitor1. Dividends are forecast to reach £88.8bn in 2026, representing a 1.5% headline increase.
The stronger end to 2025 was driven by better-than-expected payouts across the property, consumer staples and energy sectors, alongside a moderation in exchange-rate impacts, a late surge in special dividends and additional contributions from companies promoted from AIM.
Commenting on the outlook, Mark Cleland, CEO of Issuer Services (UCIA) at Computershare, noted that “dividend payouts have still not regained pre-pandemic highs,” despite pointing out that rates improved throughout last year. Looking ahead, he added that while there are “no clear indications dividends will grow much faster in 2026,” a median growth rate of 3.7% points to a healthier underlying trend.
Global perspective
Globally, aggregate dividends are projected to rise by 2.9% this year to $2.47tn2. Ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, including geopolitical discord and trade issues, continue to weigh on corporate earnings and dividend growth. While this represents a slowdown from the 4.7% growth recorded in 2025, it reflects a broader return to more normalised post-pandemic levels. Regional expectations vary widely, with stronger growth forecast in the US and India, mixed prospects across Europe and more subdued outlooks in parts of Asia.
1Computershare 2026, 2S&P Global Market Intelligence Dividend Forecasting 2026
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