Chord Energy (CHRD) ZACKS·2025-03-07 15:50Market Overview - Volatility has returned to Wall Street due to rising inflation, a halt in rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, and fears of a trade war following President Trump's tariff announcements [1][3][5] - Major indexes have retreated from their earlier highs in 2024, with concerns about a slowing economy [3] Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged in January and indicated a cautious approach until inflation shows signs of cooling [4] - Market participants believe that there will be no rate cuts before the second half of the year, with expectations of only one rate cut for the entire year [4] Trade War Concerns - Trump's proposed tariffs include 25% on Canadian and Mexican imports, with both nations threatening retaliatory tariffs [5] - The ongoing trade tensions, including 10% tariffs on Chinese goods, are expected to contribute to market volatility [5] Dividend-Paying Stocks - In the current market conditions, investing in dividend-paying stocks is recommended for steady income and capital protection [2][6] - Companies that consistently distribute dividends tend to outperform those that do not in fluctuating markets [6] Company Highlights - Vermilion Energy Inc. (VET): Announced a dividend of 1.30 per share with a dividend yield of 4.93%. The company has also increased its dividend nine times in the last five years, with a payout ratio of 30% [9] - Viper Energy, Inc. (VNOM): Announced a dividend of $0.65 per share with a dividend yield of 2.79%. The company has increased its dividend 14 times over the past five years, with a payout ratio of 59% [11]