Buy 4 High-Yield, Large-Cap Dividend Stocks to Beat Volatile Markets

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets are expected to close 2024 positively after a strong bull run in 2023, with the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite up 12.4%, 22.8%, and 25.7% year-to-date, respectively [1] - Historically, September and October are poor-performing months, but this year, all three major indexes posted gains in September, with the S&P 500 achieving its first positive September since 2019 [2] Market Influencing Factors - The upcoming U.S. Presidential Election on November 5 may lead to market volatility due to potential delays in results caused by legal issues [5] - The Federal Reserve's FOMC meeting on November 6 and 7 is anticipated to influence market conditions, with a 96.6% probability of a 25-basis point rate cut, which could affect trading if the Fed adopts a hawkish stance [6] - Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East may impact crude oil prices and create economic turbulence globally, affecting U.S. markets [7] Recommended Investment Strategies - Investment in large-cap stocks with healthy financial conditions and regular dividend payments is advised to mitigate risks during potential market downturns [3][8] - Four recommended stocks with favorable Zacks Rank include T. Rowe Price Group Inc. (TROW), Duke Energy Corp. (DUK), Philip Morris International Inc. (PM), and Regions Financial Corp. (RF) [4][9] Company Insights T. Rowe Price Group Inc. (TROW) - TROW has a diverse business model supporting sustainable earnings, with a 4.6% CAGR in AUM over the past four years and a projected 9.4% CAGR through 2026 [10][11] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 11.1% and 20.7%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 4.46% [12] Duke Energy Corp. (DUK) - DUK plans to invest $73.4 billion from 2024 to 2028 to enhance its grid and renewable energy portfolio, achieving a 48% reduction in carbon emissions from 2005 levels [13] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 4.5% and 7.6%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 3.57% [15] Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) - PM is experiencing strong momentum in smoke-free products, with expectations of a 7.5-9% increase in net revenues for 2024 [16][17] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 6.7% and 8.3%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 4.16% [18] Regions Financial Corp. (RF) - RF is expected to benefit from decent loan growth and the Fed's interest rate cuts, with a focus on revenue diversification through strategic acquisitions [19] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for next year are 5.4% and 9.2%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 4.26% [20]