Should you invest in UK dividend stocks?

UK dividends totalled £14 billion in the first quarter, falling 4.6% annually but still beating expectations. Which sectors were the top payers, and will Trump’s tariffs prompt cuts?

Woman investing on a tablet at home
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Dividend stocks are some of the most popular investments in the UK, particularly among those looking for regular income or liquidity in their portfolio. However, dividend growth has been slowing recently.

UK companies paid out £14 billion in dividends in the first quarter of 2025, a 4.6% drop compared to the same period a year ago. Reduced special dividends, often known as extra dividends, and cuts from three companies lowered the total. These included Vodafone, Burberry and Bellway Homes.

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Katie Williams
Staff Writer

Katie has a background in investment writing and is interested in everything to do with personal finance, politics, and investing. She enjoys translating complex topics into easy-to-understand stories to help people make the most of their money.

Katie believes investing shouldn’t be complicated, and that demystifying it can help normal people improve their lives.

Before joining the MoneyWeek team, Katie worked as an investment writer at Invesco, a global asset management firm. She joined the company as a graduate in 2019. While there, she wrote about the global economy, bond markets, alternative investments and UK equities.

Katie loves writing and studied English at the University of Cambridge. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the theatre, reading novels, travelling and trying new restaurants with friends.