Income and growth: Ausbil's DIVI ETF hits the ASX

Dividend yields are currently at historic lows. Ausbil is scouring the market to seek income opportunities.
Tom Stelzer

Livewire Markets

This interview was filmed on Tuesday 19 August 2025.

With interest rates coming down and dividend yields following suit, income opportunities are harder to find. 

Michael Price, portfolio manager of the Ausbil Active Dividend Income Fund, believes that makes it a great time to be offering accessible income.

After seven years of distributing 7% p.a. income (as of 31 July 2025)¹, the Ausbil Active Dividend Income Fund is now also available as an ETF on the ASX (ASX: DIVI), offering income-focused investors what is potentially a "very attractive opportunity", according to Price. 

"The forward dividend yield on the market is basically as low as it's been for over 30 years," said Price. "If you have a look at where the income came from in 2024, 60% came from just two sectors - the banks and the resources."

For income investors, there's a worry you can end up overexposed, which is where the potential benefit of an actively-managed fund comes in. 

"We're able to use the full breadth of resources of the Ausbil team to help maintain the dividend yield, despite dividends being lower... and not just rely on one or two sectors."

That means searching for opportunities further afield. 

Ausbil's Michael Price talks to Livewire's Tom Stelzer
Ausbil's Michael Price talks to Livewire's Tom Stelzer

There's a few key themes Ausbil is targeting right now both here and abroad. 

Despite the growing calls around the end of American exceptionalism, Price still sees a lot of strength in US stocks.

"We've been quite confident that the US will be stronger than people expect, despite the tariffs. So investing in companies with exposure to US growth has been a good thing," said Price. 

Resources companies are also high on Ausbil's list, thanks to the investments from decarbonisation and electrification, and relaxed fiscal policy and increased defence spending in Europe.

It means they're looking at "the full range of resources: iron ore, copper, lithium, gas for the energy transition, even gold is quite attractive with current gold prices putting out lots of dividends," said Price.

Closer to home, they're expecting increasing growth in the Australian economy thanks to interest rate cuts. 

"Investing in companies that are exposed to growth in the Australian economy is something we want to do."

An example is consumer discretionary stocks that pay good dividends and will benefit from local growth.

All up, Price believes the objective of DIVI is fairly straightforward - it's for investors who want to receive ongoing income without having to draw down on their original investment, and have that income potentially grow over time. 

  1. Net of fees but including franking credits. 
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This material is issued by Ausbil Investment Management Limited (Ausbil) ABN 26 076 316 473, AFSL 229722 as at 8 September 2025 and is subject to change. The material is not intended to provide you with financial product advice. It does not take into consideration the investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any person. For this reason, you should, before acting on this material, obtain professional advice from a licensed financial adviser and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement which is available at www.ausbil.com.au and the target market determination which is available at www.ausbil.com.au/invest-with-us/design-and-distribution-obligations. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Any reference to past performance is for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon on. Ausbil, its officers, directors and affiliates do not guarantee the performance of, a particular rate of return for, the repayment of capital of, the payment of distribution or income of, or any particular taxation consequences for investing with or in any Ausbil product or strategy. The performance of any strategy or product depends on the performance of the underlying investment which may rise or fall and can result in both capital gains and loss. Any references to particular securities or sectors are for illustrative purposes only. It is not a recommendation in relation to any named securities or sectors. The material may contain forward looking statements which are not based solely on historical facts but are based on our view or expectations about future events and results. Where we use words such as but are not limited to ‘anticipate’, ‘expect’, ‘project’, ‘estimate’, ‘likely’, ‘intend’, ‘could’, ‘target’, ‘plan’, ‘believe’, ‘think’, ‘might’ we are making a forecast or denote a forward-looking statement. These statements are held at the date of the material and are subject to change. Forecast results may differ materially from results or returns ultimately achieved. The views expressed are the personal opinion of the author, subject to change (without notice) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ausbil. This information should not be relied upon as a recommendation or investment advice and is not intended to predict the performance of any investment or market. The actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the material. Ausbil gives no representation or warranty (express or implied) as to the completeness or reliability of any forward looking statements. Such forward looking statements should not be considered as advice or a recommendation and has such should not be relied upon. To the extent permitted by law, no liability is accepted by Ausbil, its officers or directors or any affiliates of Ausbil for any loss or damage as a result of any reliance on this information. While efforts have been made to ensure the information is correct, no warranty of accuracy or reliability is given, and no responsibility is accepted for errors or omissions. Any opinions expressed are those of Ausbil as of the date noted on the material and are subject to change without notice. Livewire gives readers access to information and educational content provided by financial services professionals and companies ("Livewire Contributors"). Livewire does not operate under an Australian financial services licence and relies on the exemption available under section 911A(2)(eb) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of any advice given. Any advice on this site is general in nature and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision please consider these and any relevant Product Disclosure Statement. Livewire has commercial relationships with some Livewire Contributors.

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Tom Stelzer
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Livewire Markets

Tom is a Content Editor at Livewire Markets, having worked as a writer and editor for 10 years, specialising in investing and personal finance. He has previously worked at Finder, FourFourTwo and Man Of Many covering everything from film to...

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