China improves supervision on cash dividends for investors

A document released Saturday by China's top securities regulator has put a greater emphasis on the protection of investor interests in cash dividends. The document also stressed improved supervision to ensure interests are better protected. Cash dividends by listed companies is a fundamental policy in the capital market that can effectively strengthen appeal for investment. The new rule aims to protect the interests of small- and medium-sized investors, said Deng Ge, a China Securities Regulatory Commission spokesman. Commission data showed from 2010 to 2012, the proportion of listed companies that offered cash dividends had grown to 68 percent from 50 percent. The ratio of cash dividends by listed companies rose to 24 percent from 18 percent. Deng said the commission will continue to attach importance to the maintenance of the policy in urging listed firms to standardize and improve their profit allocation, increase dividends transparency and diversify their ways for paying back investors.