Earlier this year, just for fun I shared some financial predictions for 2014. Here’s a recap of what I predicted and where things are at year-to-date:
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average will finish the year at 16,700.
It opened the year around 16,441. It is now 17,137.
- The S&P/TSX Composite will finish the year at 14,200.
It opened the year around 13,594. It is now 15,560.
- Our Canadian Dollar will finish the year at $0.90 compared to the US Dollar.
It opened the year around $0.94. It is now $0.92.
- Fortis (FTS) will increase their dividend.
Back on February 6th Fortis increased its dividend to $0.32 per share starting March 1. They raise their dividend like clockwork. (Actually, I think they announced this dividend hike in December 2013 and I missed the news feed on that one.)
- Telus (T) will increase their dividend.
In February 2014 Telus gave shareholders a 12.5% raise. In May 2014, they hiked their dividend again to the current $0.38 per share. Dividends will likely rise again in 2015.
- Walmart (WMT:US) will increase their dividend.
Also back in February Walmart bumped their dividend by 2%. The dividend is now $0.48 per share.
- AT&T (T:US) will increase their dividend.
In December 2013 AT&T increased their quarterly dividend by 2.2%. You and I will probably need to wait until December (2014) to see if they do it again.
- My Own Advisor will giveaway more stuff on this site.
I gave away a copy of Travel Hacking for Canadians in July and later this year, probably just in time for Christmas shopping, I’ll giveaway more stuff to lucky readers so keep reading and sharing this site.
Did you make any financial predictions for 2014? If so, what were they?
Mark
My name is Mark Seed - the founder, editor and owner of My Own Advisor. As my own DIY financial advisor, I'm looking to start semi-retirement soon, sooner than most. Find out how, what I did, and what you can learn to tailor your own financial independence path. Join the newsletter read by thousands each day, always FREE.
Mark,
I wasn’t anticipating the market being as strong as it has been thus far. I actually thought we’d fall a bit after the run we saw over the last couple of years. But that’s exactly why I’m a long-term investor, and not a trader. 🙂
Best wishes!
Exactly Jason, I have no idea what the future holds…except some dividend hikes by some companies of course. I will fail miserably as a trader.
You were largely right for many of your predictions in 2013, as I recall. You seem to be pretty spot on with many of your 2014 predictions – but anything can happen at any time!
It’s all luck Daisy!
I don’t make predictions because I don’t think I’m knowledgeable enough and the market is just so unpredictable at times. Really nice that those companies increase their dividends! Good prediction.
Well, I’m definitely not smarter than the market…just having some fun Poor Student. How is the investing going?
Barron’s runs a prediction game every December. it’s always fun to see how many you get right!
For #17, I predicted 18,150!
http://online.barrons.com/news/articles/SB50001424053111904742804579276413409363266
Thanks for the link Kolpin!
You could be really sneaky and go back and edit your predictions so they match up with reality. I’m sure you’d never do that though 🙂
Looking forward to the upcoming contests!
Good idea! No, I wouldn’t do that. More fun in predicting stuff…seeing how far off I am!
you are a wizard mark!
Ha, hardly. I simply picked some stocks that have a very, very good probability of giving me a raise this year 🙂
Wow, you were pretty accurate with your predictions. I tend to not make predictions because I end up second guessing myself. I can’t wait to see what else you are going to do as a give away. I always love a new financial book to read!
Well, the dividend increases by some companies are pretty routine but I’m WAY off on my other predictions.
I don’t make predictions as they’re usually wrong but I enjoyed your prediction on Fortis. As a shareholder I love the dividend increases and look forward to more increases in the future
I don’t mind predictions. I don’t mind being wrong now and then. Hopefully the share price for FTS stays low for some time to come.
“Que feront-ils en 2014 avec un DJ à 7% et un TSX à 10%?”
In January 1st, I predict 7% for the Dow Jones, 16441 to 17592. It is now at 17137 ( still missing 2.6%).
I predict a TSX at 14953, TSX is currently at 15560 which is 14.5% since January first.
Thanks for sharing Hemgi. Always fun to see if you can predict the future, as lucky as that may be 🙂