Global Smaller Companies boosts dividend despite negative return

Up 5.1%

The Global Smaller Companies trust, formerly BMO Global Smaller Companies, has raised its dividend 5.1% despite providing a negative return for investors over the past 12 months.

The trust returned -0.2% to investors in the year to 30 April 2022, beating its benchmark return of -3.2%, according to the company's audited results for the year.  North America helped buoy the company's performance, up 7.8% on the region's portion of the portfolio. Its recommended dividend has risen by 5.1% up to 1.84p, its 52nd consecutive annual increase, according to the company. Smaller businesses responsible for 50% of all greenhouse gas emissions from companies Investment income was also up, with revenue returns per share up 44.4% over the year. "Returns from the com...