Tag Archives: defensive strategies
When Resilience Resonates: The S&P 500 Resilient Shareholder Yield Index
In a market defined by shifting cycles, tightening financial conditions and an increasingly high bar for corporate discipline, resilience isn’t just a desirable trait—it’s a differentiator. The S&P 500® Resilient Shareholder Yield Index identifies companies that balance rewarding shareholders with the financial strength needed to sustain those rewards over time. Its shareholder yield framework aggregates…
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S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Expands with Eight New Members in the Latest Reconstitution
The S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats® (S&P HYDA) includes large-, mid- and small-cap U.S. companies that have consistently raised their dividends for at least 20 consecutive years. This blog will examine the recent rebalance of the S&P HYDA, detailing the changes in its constituents and their distribution by size and sector. Additionally, we will highlight…
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A New Generation of Buyback Indices: Introducing the S&P 500 Buyback Aristocrats Index
The latest addition to the S&P Aristocrats Index Series, the S&P 500® Buyback Aristocrats Index represents a new generation of buyback indices. This index tracks companies that have consistently reduced their common shares outstanding for at least 10 consecutive years—a rare achievement that signals disciplined capital management, financial strength and a steadfast commitment to shareholder…
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High Dividend Yield Meets Quality: Introducing the S&P 500 Quality FCF High Dividend Index
The recently launched S&P 500® Quality FCF High Dividend Index measures high-dividend stocks supported by strong free cash flow (FCF), offering an approach that blends income generation and financial resilience. Companies that consistently generate excess cash may be better equipped to sustain and grow dividends, even during periods of market stress. This focus on income…
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S&P 500 Quality FCF R&D Leaders Index: Highlighting Innovation, Growth and Fundamental Strength
Research and development (R&D) investment is often a key indicator of innovation, competitiveness and a forward-looking mindset—qualities that may drive future revenue streams and market leadership. Comparing R&D Intensity1 across companies can help identify those that are dedicating significant resources to developing new products, technologies or services capable of disrupting industries and generating lasting value….
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Multi-Factor Indices in the GCC Market
The Middle East is a rapidly evolving region and one of its key growth areas has been factor indexing. The increasing adoption of these strategies has been driven by a desire for risk reduction, enhanced returns and cost efficiencies. This trend is evident not only in the adoption of single-factor styles but also in multi-factor…
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One Year On: The Rise of the S&P Quality FCF Aristocrats Indices
Launched Sept. 23, 2024, the S&P Quality FCF Aristocrats® Indices track companies that consistently generate robust free cash flow (FCF) over a specific number of years. FCF, which represents the cash remaining after a business meets its operational costs and capital investments, serves as a key barometer of company quality. The S&P Quality FCF Aristocrats…
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Navigating Market Cycles: The Complementary Roles of Quality and Momentum Indices
Over the long term, both the S&P 500® Quality Index and S&P 500 Momentum Index have outperformed the broader market (as measured by the S&P 500) in terms of absolute and risk-adjusted returns. The quality factor emphasizes financially strong and stable companies, while momentum tracks stocks with sustained price trends. When combined, these strategies create…
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Examining the S&P 500 High Dividend Index amid Changes in Monetary Policy
Whether it’s the beginning of the school year or the drop in temperatures, September is often seen as a month of change. This year, there’s an additional factor reinforcing this idea: on Sept. 17, 2025, the U.S. Federal Reserve reduced the Fed Funds rate to 4.00%-4.25%, representing the first change in monetary policy since late…
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Free Cash Flow as a Proxy for Quality in Europe: Introducing the S&P Europe Quality FCF Aristocrats Index
The S&P Europe Quality FCF Aristocrats® Index introduces the quality free cash flow (FCF) methodology to the European region. The index methodology selects high quality companies in the S&P Europe LargeMidCap universe that emphasize consistent and efficient free cash flow (FCF) generation.1 Our recent education paper explores the use of FCF metrics in creating indices…
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