As we approach the end of calendar year 2015 investors are currently looking back on a year of negative returns from the index.
While there are still 13 trading days left – so anything could happen – right now the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is down 7% for the year.
After a flat return in 2014, many investors (particularly self-managed super funds and self-funded retirees) will be getting nervous as this now marks the second year in a row of poor ASX returns.
Faced with such a lethargic share market it's no wonder that many investors have chosen to fill their portfolios with large blue-chip stocks with appealing dividend yields.
Could 2016 continue the chase for yield trend?
It's quite possible that an income-focussed strategy could be the best way to position a conservative portfolio in 2016.
Here are three blue-chip stocks which could continue to be attractive to income-seeking investors next year…
- Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) looks set to continue its status as a "go-to" income stock with Telstra's shares set to provide an attractive fully franked 6% dividend yield.
- Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is often identified as the strongest of the major banks. The bank is set to increase its dividend in 2016, putting the stock on a forecast 5.4% fully franked yield.
- Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) has attracted Warren Buffett and it could attract dividend seekers too. Based on one consensus estimate, the stock is set to provide a fully franked 5.4% yield.
