March 2020 Dividend Portfolio Update: A Month To Remember

March 2020 is surely a month to remember, not just for a week, a month or a year but forever.
Cash has proven to be king and I have mostly run out of it just when markets were in meltdown mood.
March generated $442 in dividend income, up 22% sequentially and +11% Y/Y.
I outline portfolio composition by sector and portfolio weight for every holding.
March 2020 is surely a month to remember, not just for a week, a month or a year but forever. Markets were tanking and flying on almost a daily basis as sickening news about the spreading disease and rising number of deaths in Europe and the U.S. were partially offset by hopeful statements from the White House coronavirus task force on opening up the economy.

Eventually, after weeks of playing catch-up, the U.S. government finally had to admit the dire reality which is projecting around 100,000 deaths in a sort of best-case scenario for the U.S. if social distancing measures are followed.
Here in Germany, we are like a week ahead or so of the U.S. and I have transitioned to 100% home office and no physical contacts at all. Everything but essential business is closed, but I can still continue my work and so far at least haven't had to cope with any sad news from people I know nor with any financial implications in terms of income.

Source: fool.co.uk
That said, both situations could change quickly, but as far as the financial impact is concerned, I am expecting significant declines in dividend income in this year. On top of that, unsurprisingly, the portfolio got absolutely hammered and I had to make a lot of decisions in an attempt to buy great companies at great prices while also selling stocks where I am seeing less potential. I made some risky bets but also some very calculated investments.
In any case, the most important lesson I have learnt is that if you can't time the market - and I frankly can't even though I was concerned about COVID-19 and the humanitarian and economic... Read more