In this era of record-low interest rates, ASX dividend shares are very much in vogue. After all, when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cut interest rates for the third time this year two weeks ago, it further reduced the interest rates we can expect to see from our bank account and term deposits.
Now, you can barely keep up with inflation by staying in cash – so a dividend paying ASX share is starting to look a lot more appealing than it did even twelve months ago.
So saying this, here are two ASX dividend shares I would consider for strong income and high returns today
Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL)
At first glance, the 'Soul Patts' starting yield being offered today doesn't look that impressive at 2.56%. But if you then consider that this investing conglomerate has increased its payout every year this century so far, and things look a lot rosier!
Soul Patts runs its own portfolio of ASX investments, which today includes large stakes in TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM), Brickworks Ltd (ASX: BKW) and New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC).
Using this portfolio of high-quality ASX businesses, Soul Patts is able to consistently deliver returns to its shareholders. This is one company I would hold for a lifetime!
WAM Research Ltd (ASX: WAX)
When it comes to high dividend yields, very few ASX shares can compete with this Listed Investment Company (LIC). WAM Research aims to discover 'the most exciting undervalued growth opportunities' on the ASX and has a very successful track record of doing so. Since 2010, WAX shareholders have been the beneficiaries of a 16.7% annual average return, which includes an ever-rising dividend yield – currently at 6.93% (which grosses-up to 9.9% with franking).
Some of WAM Research's current holdings include Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR) and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).
Such a strong track record of growth and income leads me to pick WAX shares for a dividend buy today.
Foolish Takeaway
I think both of these ASX dividend share picks can offer investors a stellar return compared with cash today. Even if interest rates eventually rise, I think these two businesses are long-term market beaters that would do well in any portfolio.
