[Daily Trade Alert note: In his analysis below, Louis Basenese explains why companies that consistently increase their dividends are his favorite stocks to buy for today’s current market environment. In short, interest rates are at historic lows while yields on high-quality dividend-payers are climbing, thanks to the recent market downturn. Just days ago he recommended locking in a 9.5% yield with beaten-down telecom, Telefonica (NYSE: TEF). Lisa Springer echoed his recommendation in this article. Given the timeliness of this opportunity, in the coming days we’ll be adding Telefonica to our list of “The 10 Best Dividend Stocks to Own Right Now.”]

[ad#Google Adsense 336×280-IA]Hungry for Yield?

Right now, 10-year U.S. Treasuries yield an embarrassingly low 2.13%.

But thanks to the recent market volatility, high-quality, dividend-paying stocks are yielding much more.

In fact, as I revealed [in this article], yields for some safe, blue-chip stocks, like Telefonica (NYSE: TEF), are pushing into the double-digits.

We shouldn’t let the opportunity to scoop up these stocks pass us by. Why? Because dividends actually account for the majority of stock market returns.

As you can see, dividends account for roughly 90% of total stock market returns over the long term.

Of course, most investors foolishly believe that stock market riches are minted via capital appreciation. But that’s clearly not the case.

Even in the go-go days for stock prices, from 1982 to 2000, dividends still accounted for about 30% of total return. Indeed, their importance can’t be overlooked.

Before you rush out to load up your portfolio on dividend stocks, keep this in mind – any old dividend-paying stocks won’t cut it.

As this chart reveals, which I’ve shared before, companies that consistently increase their dividends are the best performers by a country mile.

So get reacquainted with my previous article, “A Seven-Step System to Finding the Safest High-Yield Stocks in Any Market” and load up on some dividend growers.

With 10-Year U.S. Treasuries yielding a pittance, and stock market volatility pushing prices of dividend-paying stocks lower, there hasn’t been a better time to buy such high-yielding stocks in a while. And the opportunity won’t last forever.

Thanks and enjoy the weekend!

Ahead of the tape,

— Louis Basenese

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Source:  Wall Street Daily