The dividend stocks which helped the dividend aristocrats' index outperform S&P 500 in 2008 include:

Most investors were scared from the severe drops in global stock markets last week, caused by the freezing of the debt markets and the global recession fears which the tightening of the credit markets might cause. Most stocks have suffered double digit percentage losses since the start of the year, even after yesterdays record rally. It’s no place to panic however.

Family Dollar Stores Inc. operates a chain of more than 6,500 retail discount stores in 44 states across the U.S. Linked here is a detailed stock analysis and commentary.

Ever since the broad market indexes entered into bear market territory, I have been checking the dividend champions list for bargains. I came up with a list, using the follwoing screen criteria: