The global defence sector has lately been an outlier compared with cyclical growth sectors. In an age of heightened market volatility, the case for allocating more towards income-generating assets has rarely been stronger. With US cash rates declining while high-dividend strategies in developed markets (DM) offer limited upside, AxJ stands out as a more compelling destination. The region combines higher yields, ongoing shareholder-friendly policy reforms, and a distinctive blend of income with structural growth – particularly from technology – making it an increasingly attractive proposition for total-return seekers.

A nice blend of stable yield and quality growth. First, yields on AxJ high-dividend names (c.4-5%) are markedly higher than those of DM comparables (c.3%). However, it is the composition that truly distinguishes Asia. While DM high-yield baskets lean more heavily on defensive sectors such as consumer staples, healthcare, and utilities (c.38%), AxJ high yield has a 26% allocation to tech, roughly three times the weighting seen in DM equivalents. Financials still dominate, accounting for nearly one-third of the mix and forming the bedrock of dividend stability, but the meaningful presence of viable yielding-generating tech names adds a growth dimension largely absent elsewhere.

The income-plus-growth profile is further supported by the region’s increasing efforts in recent years to enhance shareholder returns via corporate governance reforms. China’s push for state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to raise higher payouts and buybacks, South Korea’s “Value-Up” programme to encourage better shareholder returns, and Singapore’s strong and improving baseline governance continue to underpin reliable income.

Each corner of the region brings its own flavour. China, the largest contributor in AxJ’s high-dividend proxies, offers policy-supported stability through financials, energy, and telecom. Taiwan excels at pairing attractive yields with AI-driven earnings growth, thanks to its semiconductor and hardware champions – many of which maintain robust net-cash positions. South Korea occupies a middle ground, blending banking solidity with reform-driven upside in technology. In ASEAN, Singapore serves as the quality anchor: its banks and REITs provide yields exceeding most DM peers, with lower volatility and a stable currency. Broader ASEAN markets – Malaysia’s telecoms and utilities, or financials in Thailand and Indonesia – can round out the mix, though they carry greater volatility typically associated with emerging market exposure.

Diversification is key. We favour financial stability and balance sheet quality, alongside select technology sleeves to capture North Asia’s dynamism, balanced by Singapore’s steadier hand through banks and REITs.

For investors tired of anaemic yields in the West, Asia’s dividend opportunity is difficult to dismiss. The region offers not just income, but income paired with the prospect of earnings growth and stronger corporate governance – an increasingly rare combination in today’s markets. Those who allocate thoughtfully may find the region rewarding both their portfolios and their patience.

Figure 1: AxJ high dividend equities offerings lean meaningfully more towards financials and technology

Source: SIPRI, DBS


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