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FTSE 100 tracker funds have grown in recognition lately. These easy funding funds passively mimic the efficiency of the Footsie whereas shelling out a second earnings within the type of dividends.
Alternatively, there are ‘accumulation’ variations with all dividends reinvested within the fund. This is able to imply going with out an earnings in the present day for a probably greater return in future.
Right here, I’ll check out how a lot I might count on to obtain in dividends from a £20k funding in a FTSE 100 tracker fund that distributes earnings.
Needles and haystacks
First, I can definitely see the attraction of this model of investing. I get broad publicity to a number of firms — on this case the biggest 100 firms listed within the UK — by a single funding.
Furthermore, as a result of an index fund principally runs itself, they typically value little or no (definitely in comparison with lively funds). Excessive charges can considerably eat into long-term returns.
John Bogle, the pioneer of passive investing, captured the simplicity of index funds on this timeless quote: “Don’t search for the needle within the haystack. Simply purchase the haystack.”
The earnings
So, how a lot would possibly the haystack pay me? Proper now, the dividend yield on FTSE 100 shares is 3.6%.
However that doesn’t imply I’d get that actual yield as a result of dividends aren’t assured. Firms can minimize or cancel their shareholder payouts, whereas others increase them.
For instance, luxurious agency Burberry simply scrapped its dividend because it offers with slumping gross sales. Vodafone is because of minimize its in half, whereas Aviva (LSE: AV.) elevated its payout by 7.7% final 12 months.
Additionally, share costs transfer round quite a bit, which impacts yields attributable to their inverse relationship. So there’s a good bit happening.
As issues stand although, the FTSE 100 yield is the aforementioned 3.6%, which is broadly what I’d count on from a tracker. So it means I’d be trying to obtain about £720 a 12 months in dividends from a £20k funding.
Be aware that I’ve ignored platform charges and fund prices right here.
Overlook the haystack
Is that any good? Nicely, it’s higher than a moist crisp packet within the face, as my uncle is fond of claiming. However I reckon I can do significantly better shopping for particular person FTSE 100 shares.
Returning to Aviva, that inventory is yielding 6.5%. That’s not far off double the FTSE 100 common.
Higher nonetheless, Metropolis analysts see the insurer growing its payouts over the subsequent couple of years. If these forecasts show appropriate, then the yield rises to 7.2% in 2024 and seven.8% in 2025.
That may equate to funds of £1,440 and £1,560. An enormous distinction!
One threat I’d spotlight with Aviva is its give attention to markets within the UK and Eire. Which may restrict progress shifting ahead, as they’re fairly mature markets.
But the agency is in nice form financially. In March, its Solvency II capital ratio was a wholesome 206%. And it’s shopping for again £300m of its shares, whereas its non-public well being enterprise is booming with NHS ready lists close to file highs.
Even so, I’d be reluctant to place £20k into one inventory in case the dividend was minimize. However there are 30+ FTSE 100 shares at present yielding over 3.6% (some way more). So I don’t actually need to purchase a tracker as a pleasant basket might be constructed by selecting particular person shares.
