According to Standard & Poor's Outlook newsletter, only 1,086 companies increased dividends last year, the lowest number in 20 years.

For the editors at Standard & Poor's Outlook newsletter, the March drop looms less large than it did at first.

"It's almost good to have it out of the way," said Arnold Kaufman, editor of Standard & Poor's Outlook newsletter.

"Its a good idea to have T-bills as a portion of your portfolio always," said Arnold Kaufman, editor of Standard & Poor's Outlook newsletter.

Nonetheless, Arnold Kaufman, the editor of S.& P.'s Outlook newsletter, said he was encouraged.

"It surprised me," said Arnold Kaufman, the editor of S.&P.'s Outlook newsletter, which compiles the figures.

"This was an improvement, but it was nothing to write home about," said Arnold Kaufman, the editor of S.& P.'s Outlook newsletter.

"We're seeing clear signs of a turn," said Arnold Kaufman, the editor of Standard & Poor's Outlook newsletter, which compiled the figures.

"There is a tremendous squeeze these days," said Arnold Kaufman, editor of Standard & Poor's Outlook newsletter, which tracks dividend trends.

"The numbers look terrible," said Arnold Kaufman, the editor of S.&P.'s Outlook newsletter, which compiles the figures.