DJ Shell Wary of Dividend Cut, But it Might Buoy Investors -- Market Talk
1047 GMT - Royal Dutch Shell appears reluctant to cut its dividend, though investors might welcome such a move, says A.J. Bell. The brokerage says Shell hasn't reduced its payout since the Second World War. Maybe that explains why, unlike many other companies, it isn't yet cutting its dividend, let alone suspending it, Bell says. "The market is clearly pricing in action on the dividend sooner rather than later," says Bell's Russ Mould. "Perhaps there might even be a bit of relief if it were to make such a decision. For now, the company appears to be attempting to stave off this difficult call by curbing its share-buyback program while cutting costs and expenditure." Royal Dutch Shell B shares rise 2%.(philip.waller@wsj.com)