Monthly update: February 2025

As February comes to a close, it's time to review how the global markets performed, analyze the biggest winners and losers in my portfolio, and assess my monthly dividend income growth compared to the previous year. Let’s dive into the details.

Global Market Performance in February 2025

The financial markets experienced mixed movements throughout February, with some indices posting gains while others showed slight declines:

• AEXGR: Gained +1.4%, reflecting a modest rise in Dutch stocks.
• SX5E (Euro Stoxx 50): Strong +4.9% increase, indicating a solid month for major European stocks.
• IWDA (Global Equity Index ETF): Slight -0.6% decline, showing global markets faced some pressure.
• DJITR (Dow Jones Industrial Total Return Index): Fell by -2.5%, suggesting weakness in large-cap U.S. industrials.
• S&P 500: Declined by -2.2%, reflecting some turbulence in the broader U.S. stock market.

The Euro Stoxx 50 led the way with a nearly 5% surge, while the U.S. markets struggled. A weaker dollar and concerns about economic data may have contributed to the declines in American indices.

Top 3 Gainers in My Portfolio

Despite market volatility, some stocks in my portfolio performed exceptionally well:

• MPW (Medical Properties Trust): +23%. A strong rebound in healthcare REITs contributed to MPW’s impressive performance this month.
• PM (Philip Morris International): +19%. Solid earnings and resilient dividend growth helped drive PM’s stock price higher.
• KO (Coca-Cola): +12%. Continued strength in consumer staples amid market uncertainty kept KO on an upward trajectory.

Top 3 Losers in My Portfolio

On the flip side, a few stocks struggled in February:

• MRK (Merck & Co.): -8%. Weak guidance for the upcoming quarter led to a decline in the stock price.
• APD (Air Products & Chemicals): -6%. Concerns over industrial gas demand and macroeconomic factors weighed on the stock.
• ASML (ASML Holding): -4%. Some profit-taking and semiconductor sector headwinds resulted in a slight decline.

Winners vs. Losers Ratio

With nearly four times as many winners as losers, my portfolio showed strong resilience despite broader market fluctuations.

Dividend Income Growth – February 2025 vs. February 2024

Comparing this February’s dividend income to last year:

• Total dividend income at constant FX: €230, up 4.6% YoY
• Total dividend income after FX effects: €239, up 8.2% YoY
• After-tax income: €203, reflecting 8.0% growth

My dividend income continues to show healthy year-over-year growth, reinforcing the benefits of my dividend growth investing strategy. The most important factor in my dividend growth is Deere. Last year I bought two extra shares but the company also raised its dividend by over 10%.

Final Thoughts

Despite some headwinds in the U.S. markets, my portfolio performed well in February. The high ratio of winners to losers highlights the importance of diversification, and my dividend income growth remains steady. As Warren Buffett once said:

“If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.”

Dividend investing continues to be my path to financial independence, and I look forward to seeing how the rest of the year unfolds. How did your portfolio perform in February? Let me know in the comments!