London, Jan 8, 2026, 08:10 GMT — Regular session
- National Grid (NG.L) slipped about 0.3% after briefly touching a 52-week high in early trade
- The utility’s interim dividend payment is due on Jan. 13
- Markets are watching U.S. payrolls and UK GDP for clues on the rate path
National Grid shares dipped 0.3% to 1,181 pence in early London trade on Thursday, after an earlier push took the stock to 1,194.5 pence — its highest level in the past 52 weeks. The shares ended Wednesday at 1,184.5 pence. 1
The move comes as investors juggle a mix of geopolitical headlines and interest-rate expectations that can swing demand for dividend-heavy utilities. “Geopolitical headlines are in the driver’s seat,” said Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo, as markets looked ahead to Friday’s U.S. jobs report. 2
In Britain, traders have also been leaning on the idea of another Bank of England rate cut by March, a backdrop that can support rate-sensitive sectors like utilities. Monthly UK November GDP data on Jan. 15 could “provide fresh direction,” said Jane Foley, senior forex strategist at Rabobank. 3
For National Grid specifically, the next near-term marker is its interim dividend payment on Jan. 13, according to the company’s investor calendar. 4
National Grid typically pays dividends twice a year, announced with full- and half-year results, and says the interim dividend is usually paid in January. The final dividend is typically paid in July or August, subject to shareholder approval at the AGM. 5
The interim dividend for the current year is 16.35 pence a share, according to Hargreaves Lansdown data. The stock has been “ex-dividend” since November — meaning buyers after that date are not entitled to the January payout. 6
National Grid operates regulated electricity networks in Britain and has regulated electricity and gas businesses in the U.S., including New York and New England, a mix that tends to dampen day-to-day earnings swings but keeps the stock sensitive to the cost of capital. 7
But the setup can turn fast. Any jump in bond yields, or a shift in rate-cut expectations, can take the shine off dividend stocks, while regulators and politicians can still pressure allowed returns and customer bills.
