Contrarian strategies could reap dividends, says BNP Paribas

Take aim at selective stock picking

The short investment horizons that are so prevalent in today's financial markets mean investors would be well advised to adopt a contrarian approach to stock selection that focuses on longer-term investments in out-of-favour sectors, according to BNP Paribas.

"We believe European equities stand out. Right now this is a relatively cheap area, offering some of the highest dividend yields," says Jean Medecin, senior investment specialist, European equities at BNP Paribas Investment Partners (BNPIP)