Yesterday a speech by deputy Reserve Bank of Australia governor Guy Debelle and the release of the minutes from the central bank's latest cash rate meeting once again reaffirmed the market's belief that rates are on hold until 2019.
This is bad news for income investors that use the interest from term deposits or high interest savings accounts as a source of income.
But the good news is that with an average dividend yield of approximately 4%, the Australian share market is here to save the day.
Three high yield dividend shares that I would have in a retirement portfolio are listed below. Here's why I like them:
National Storage REIT (ASX: NSR)
Demand for storage services has been growing thanks partly to population growth and baby boomer's downsizing. National Storage aims to capture this demand through its large network of facilities and a development pipeline which includes 11 new developments and several new expansion projects. This year the company plans to pay a distribution of between 9.6 cents and 10 cents per share in FY 2018, which equates to a forward yield of around 6%.
Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD)
I think Sydney Airport will be a big winner from the tourism boom that Australia continues to experience. As the main gateway into Australia I believe the airport operator will not only see a rise in passengers through its gates, but also demand for its retail and car park facilities. This could put Sydney Airport in a position to grow its dividend at a solid and consistent rate for many years to come. At present Sydney Airport's shares offer a trailing 4.9% yield.
Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)
Westpac and the rest of the banking sector have come under pressure in recent weeks due largely to the Royal Commission. I believe this has left Westpac's shares trading at a very attractive price which offers a compelling risk/reward for investors. This could make it well worth considering the banking giant if you do not already have meaningful exposure to the banks. Westpac's shares currently provide a trailing fully franked 6.3% dividend and go ex-dividend for its interim dividend on Thursday May 17.
