Monthly report: November 2024

As we wrap up November, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the performance of the global markets, my portfolio’s movers, and how my dividend income has grown compared to last year. Let’s dive into the numbers and insights!

Global Market Performance

November brought mixed but generally positive results across the global indices. The standout performers were international equity markets, signaling resilience amid a backdrop of mixed macroeconomic data. Here’s a snapshot of key indices:

• AEXGR: The index was nearly flat, with a marginal 0.1% increase, reflecting subdued performance in the Dutch market.
• SX5E (Euro Stoxx 50): Declined by 1.5%, signaling some turbulence in European equities.
• IWDA (MSCI World ETF): Gained a solid 6.6%, underscoring the strength in global equities.
• DJITR (Dow Jones Industrial Total Return): Surged by 7.0%, supported by robust earnings from industrial giants.
• S&P 500: Increased by 5.3%, driven by growth in the tech and energy sectors.

The performance of U.S. markets continues to outpace European benchmarks, highlighting the divergence in market sentiment.

Portfolio Highlights: Top Gainers and Losers

November was a month of significant activity in my portfolio, with more winners than losers. Here are the highlights:

Top 3 Gainers

• Kinder Morgan (KMI): Up 17%. The energy infrastructure company benefited from rising natural gas demand and improved pipeline margins.
• Deere & Co (DE): Up 16%. Strong agricultural equipment sales and cost optimization strategies boosted investor confidence.
• Cummins Inc. (CMI): Up 14%. Increased demand for diesel engines and electrification efforts drove its stock higher.

Top 3 Losers

• Hannon Armstrong (HASI): Down 9%. Renewable energy stocks faced headwinds as interest rates remained elevated.
• Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP): Down 6%. A stronger U.S. dollar weighed on global infrastructure revenues.
• BHP Group (BHP): Down 6%. Falling commodity prices, especially iron ore, pressured this mining giant.

Overall, my portfolio had a winner-to-loser ratio of 1.5, with an average gain of 8.1% among gainers and an average loss of 2.6% among the decliners.

November Dividend Income: A Year-Over-Year Comparison

Dividend income remains the cornerstone of my investment strategy, and November 2024 delivered steady growth compared to last year. Here’s the breakdown:

Dividend income increased mostly because of dividend raises. Only my recent purchase of two additional shares in Deere helped my monthly dividend income.

Looking Ahead

With December just around the corner, I expect my dividend income to receive a seasonal boost, given the quarterly payout schedules of many companies. Furthermore, ongoing reinvestments and dividend hikes are expected to fuel my long-term compounding journey.

I’ll leave you with a timeless quote from John Bogle, the father of index investing, which perfectly encapsulates my approach to dividend growth investing:

“The stock market is a giant distraction to the business of investing.”

By focusing on the fundamentals—steady dividend growth and disciplined reinvestment - I remain confident in my portfolio’s ability to deliver consistent and growing income over the long term.

How was your November? Let me know in the comments below!