S&P 500 Dividend Yield - Historical Data & Analysis
Historical S&P 500 dividend yield data from 1871 to present. Track dividend trends, yields, and income potential with interactive charts.
4.22%
Historical Mean
Average since 18714.19%
Historical Median
Middle value1.11%
Minimum Dividend Yield
Lowest recorded13.84%
Maximum Dividend Yield
Highest recorded1,855
If Returns to Mean
-73.2% change1,868
If Returns to Median
-73.0% changeS&P 500 Dividend Yield - Historical Data & Analysis Over Time
About Dividend Yield
Dividend yield measures the annual dividends paid by the S&P 500 relative to its price — useful for income-oriented investors and valuation comparisons.
Key Insights
- Income Indicator: Higher dividend yields provide more current income to investors, but may indicate slower growth expectations
- Market Valuation: Historically, high dividend yields have often coincided with market bottoms and attractive entry points
- Economic Cycles: Dividend yields tend to be higher during recessions and lower during bull markets
- Inverse Relationship: Dividend yield moves inversely to stock prices - when prices fall, yields rise (assuming dividends remain constant)
Conclusion
At 1.13%, the dividend yield sits significantly below its historical average of 4.22%. This compression reflects high valuations and changing corporate priorities, with companies increasingly favoring buybacks over dividend commitments.
This environment challenges traditional income strategies and suggests participants may be overpaying for growth expectations.
We believe this warrants careful consideration of alternative income sources and heightened attention to valuation discipline.
Current Market Assessment
Current dividend yield: 1.13%
73.2% below the historical mean
73.0% below the historical median
Valuation Scenarios:
Current Yield: 1.13%
Current Index Level: 6,926.55
If Returns to Mean: 1,854.74
If Returns to Median: 1,868.02
Research Methodology & Limitations
This analysis is produced by Finanzapedia's Team using publicly available historical data. Our assessments rely on quantitative frameworks and historical context to inform long-term valuation perspectives.
While we apply rigorous standards to ensure accuracy and consistency, past performance is not indicative of future results. Our ratings and commentary represent our independent opinion as of the date of publication and are not intended as investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security.
Investors are solely responsible for their decisions and should perform their own due diligence, considering their risk tolerance, investment objectives, and financial circumstances.