We show that the dividend yield and earnings yield jointly are strong predictors of dividend growth. We motivate the joint specification with a theoretical model and show how omitting the earnings yield biases the dividend yield coefficient towards zero, explaining why the dividend yield by itself is a poor predictor of dividend growth. Our empirical results are robust in pre- and post-war U.S. data, in recessions and expansions, in international data, and when controlling for additional predictors.

Abstract This paper uncovers that expected excess bond returns display a positive correlation with the slope of the yield curve (i.e., yield spread) in expansions but a negative correlation in recessions. We use a macro-finance term structure model with different market prices of risk in expansions and recessions to show that a very accommodating monetary policy in recessions is a key driver of this switch in return predictability.