The total value of corporate dividends surged from $1.57 trillion in 2022, with underlying growth of 5 per cent factoring in currency fluctuations, special dividends, timing variances, and index changes, according to UK asset manager Janus Henderson. Ben Lofthouse, head of global equity income at Janus Henderson, attributed the robust dividend performance to strong corporate cash flow across most sectors, providing ample resources for dividends and share buybacks. The banking sector witnessed a notable surge in dividends, totaling a record $220 billion in 2023, marking a 15 per cent increase from the previous year, buoyed by high interest rates that boosted bank margins.