After powering ahead at a double-digit pace for the last five years, stocks stalled and then tumbled in 2000.
Companies also favor dividends when the market is flat to down.
In past setbacks, the number of companies increasing dividends rose, since managements could no longer count on investors to hold on to stocks that were not rising sharply every day. If the market decline resumes, therefore, good dividend stocks will pay you to wait for better times. Click here for a 30-day free trial, or sign in if you're already a subscriber. Bid on or offer business services Web design, logo design, computer consulting, and more. Business Week Online may receive a share of any fees you pay for services.