Meme stocks like AMC Entertainment (AMC) and GameStop (GME) have seen a resurgence in recent days, thanks to the influence of a Reddit participant known as “Roaring Kitty.” This surge has led retail investors to flock to these stocks, driving up their prices and causing losses for short sellers.
The return of the meme stock craze could spell trouble for dividend stocks like SCHD. The continued popularity of highly speculative investments like AMC and GME suggests that financial conditions are still too loose, possibly prompting the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates higher for longer. This could have negative implications for high-yield dividend stocks, as they may struggle to invest in growth projects or meet debt obligations with elevated capital costs.
Companies with capital-intensive businesses and high dividend yields, such as Medical Properties Trust and NextEra Energy Partners, could be particularly impacted by higher interest rates. These companies may face challenges in sustaining their dividend payments or funding future growth initiatives. Additionally, as interest rates rise, the market’s expected dividend yield for bond proxy stocks may increase, leading to lower stock prices despite solid fundamentals.
Investors in high-yield stocks should consider focusing on companies like Enterprise Products Partners, Mid-America Apartments, and Blackstone Secured Lending, which are likely to continue delivering strong fundamental performance regardless of interest rate movements. While short-term performance may be uncertain, these stocks offer attractive dividends for income-focused investors with a long-term perspective.