Craig James

Australian companies’ dividend payouts are down 24 per cent from a year ago, as higher interest rates and cash flow challenges darken the outlook. Payouts from miners decreased significantly, although the dividend picture remains positive for banks.

Australia’s states and territories are all still enjoying strong economic performance despite tumultuous conditions, but strong labour and housing data has propelled Tasmania to reclaim the top spot from Queensland in CommSec’s “State of the States” report for Q4 2022.

Although more Australian companies are paying dividends in 2023, many have reduced payouts, with the year-to-date total slightly behind 2022’s figures, according to CommSec research. The big miners are leading the cuts, while energy producers are lifting dividends to reflect record high gas prices.

Australians are being hit hard by rising interest rates as banks seek to keep pace by lifting borrowing costs, and the RBA’s latest move will only add to the pain. Mortgage payments for employee households soared 27 per cent in the December quarter alone, and further increases are expected.

The cost of living has risen dramatically in 2022, with the Reserve Bank of Australia increasing the cash rate seven times since April and the major banks keeping pace on mortgage rates. But there could be good news on the horizon.

The Australian share market is tipped to fall by up to 9 per cent in 2022 but to rise 5 per cent to 8 per cent over 2023, according to new forecasts from CommSec. While share prices have fallen this year, Australian companies remain well cashed up and profits sit at record highs, which will help to drive gains next year