Goldman Sachs has bounced back after a rough year, thanks to a focus on its core banking and trading operations. They've shed some consumer businesses that were costing them money. The bank's CEO has been praised for making these changes. Other banks like Morgan Stanley are also expected to do well, driven by the strength in the stock market. However, banks as a whole may struggle with lower interest rates.
Global dividend payouts reached a record $1.66 trillion in 2023, driven by high interest rates boosting bank margins. Despite this, large dividend cuts from companies like BHP and Intel slightly dampened overall growth. Nevertheless, around 86% of companies either increased or maintained their dividends, with Europe contributing greatly to the overall rise. In 2024, dividend payouts are expected to continue growing, reaching an estimated $1.72 trillion.
