Dividend Stocks in an Uncertain Macro-Environment

A recent report from Nomura Holdings, Inc. (TYO:8604) Equity Research has some interesting  analysis on dividend stocks. The report, entitled "Stock Ideas In A World Of Hurt" begins by defending that title and offering some rays of hope to investors fearful due to the recent downturn in economic recovery expectations and equity prices.

The first major section of the piece concentrates on companies that offer high dividend yields with little risk. These types of investments are highly sought after as an alternative to low yielding treasuries.

Stocks chosen under the section "quality dividend yields" all offer yields of greater than 4.5% with some edging toward 9%. The list concentrates on firms that have relatively low uncertainty associated with their business, and have the cash...