| The rout in commodities isn't only taking a toll on shares of mining companies, it is also driving dividends issued by miners sharply lower. Aggregate dividends from large precious metals miners are set to drop to $1.8 billion this year, more than 60% below the $4.9 billion in payments made in 2011, according to dividend forecasting data compiled by Markit that was released this week.
The reduction comes as prices for metals have been mauled, in part by worries that a slowdown in the Chinese economy will dampen demand for natural resources. The surprise devaluation of the yuan last week by Chinese officials spurred concerns the currency move will hurt imports of metals...............................................Full Article: Source
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