There were several dividend cuts last week, including a notable one from a commodities company. A report from Deutsche Bank analysts predicted dividend cuts in several mining companies, including Alcoa (AA), Southern Copper (PCU), Cliffs Natural Resources (CLF) and Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (RIO), which further depressed investor sentiment, and sent basic materials stocks lower. The negative dividend news concerning the materials sectors shouldn’t really affect overall dividend sentiment, as the dividend payments that these companies pay are typically not as consistent and smooth in terms of size of payment, due to the cyclical nature of the commodities business. With metals prices dropping significantly off of their record highs over the past few months it is no surprise that Deutsche Bank is expecting dividend cuts in the above mentioned companies. On December 3, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. announced a reduction in its copper production and [More...]