History tells us that the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) traditionally brings returns of anywhere from between 7% and 9%.
However it's important to recognise this is an average, which means it's not a steady rise every single year.
Unfortunately for ASX investors, 2026 is shaping up as a down year for the benchmark index.
Many pundits actually predicted this back at the start of the year.
Inflation, rising interest rates and global conflict have all weighed on sentiment.
At the time of writing the ASX 200 is essentially flat compared to the start of 2026.
Image source: Getty Images
Why turn to dividend investing?
When capital gains are stagnating, dividend investing can provide investors with a valuable source of returns that is largely independent of share price movements.
Rather than relying solely on a rising market, dividend investors are paid to hold quality businesses that generate consistent cash flow and share a portion of their profits with shareholders.
This can be particularly attractive during periods of uncertainty, when market volatility makes capital growth harder to come by.
Better yet, some ASX dividend shares are currently offering yields that comfortably exceed what investors can earn from term deposits or savings accounts.
With that in mind, here are three ASX dividend shares that could help investors block out the market noise and lock in a yield of up to 11%.
Shaver Shop Group Ltd (ASX: SSG)
While Shaver Shop Group flies under the radar compared to blue-chip giants, it boasts one of the best yields on the ASX.
The company engages in selling personal grooming products through their corporate and online stores and generates income from franchise stores. It retails various products across the oral care, hair care, massage, air treatment, and beauty categories.
The business currently offers a trailing grossed-up dividend yield of approximately 11%, including franking credits.
What's even more pleasing for investors, is this has been consistent dating back to 2017.
Centuria Office REIT (ASX: COF)
Centuria Office REIT is Australia's largest pure-play office real estate investment trust (REIT). It owns a $2.3 billion portfolio of office and commercial property assets throughout Australia.
Real estate stocks have largely struggled in 2026, and Centuria Office REIT has seen its share price fall as a result.
However on the positive side, its expected FY26 distribution of 10.1 cents per security translates into a dividend yield of around 11%.
Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)
Fortescue currently sits as one of the largest iron ore production and exploration companies in the world.
ASX materials stocks like Fortescue have long been targeted by dividend investors for their consistent payouts.
In good news for dividend investors, this is expected to continue in the next few years.
This ASX dividend stock is expected to pay a yield between 4% and 5% until FY28.
