These companies aren't stretching to pay dividends that beat the market

In this unsettled environment, investors may be considering dividend stocks for income. But not all of them are created equal. With equities near record highs, dividend stocks can help bolster portfolios during times of market volatility and economic uncertainty. They also become relatively more attractive to income-seeking investors as the Federal Reserve cuts rates and yields come down on bonds. Just last week, the central bank lowered the federal funds rate by a quarter percentage point, but left a potential cut at its next meeting in December in doubt. Traders are now pricing in 65% odds of another quarter-point move at that next policy meeting, according to the CME FedWatch tool . Bank of America Securities cautions investors not to reach for the highest yielding stocks. Dividends tha