Nasdaq’s dividend index adds UMB

The Kansas City-based bank-holding company started on the index Feb. 1, joining 20 other companies new to the index this year. The achievers index lists 99 companies; the full Nasdaq exchange lists about 3,200.

Companies are chosen for the index if they have increased annual regular dividends for at least the last 10 years and have met liquidity-screening criteria.

The index was launched a year ago in response to a trend in dividend-focused investing, according to a news release.

UMB shares (Nasdaq: UMBF) closed Monday at $37.91. They were trading at $38.15 at 11 this morning, which would be a new 52-week high.

UMB has 4 branches in Springfield.