Buybacks Outshine Dividends: A Shift in Capital Allocation Strategy

Robeco’s July 2025 Multi-Asset Market Monitor explores how equity markets are adapting to geopolitical shifts, with a spotlight on the growing dominance of share buybacks over traditional dividends.

• Share buybacks are increasingly favored by US and Japanese firms for their flexibility and tax efficiency, with European corporates now joining the trend amid attractive relative valuations.

• The US economy remains robust, with full employment limiting the Fed’s ability to ease rates, while the newly passed tax cuts risk further heating up demand.

• NATO-driven fiscal spending boosts prospects for defense and industrial sectors, potentially offsetting domestic underinvestment elsewhere in Europe.

Curious how structural changes in capital allocation are reshaping global equity income strategies? Delve into the full report for an in-depth perspective.