As interest rates start to fall, some strategists are calling for a “banner year” for dividend stocks, according to the Globe and Mail. Since high interest rates also increase the return on investments like guaranteed investment certificates (GICs), interest rate cuts do the opposite. A few months ago, some banks were offering annual returns of 5% on GICs, a number that has dropped to around 4.5% since the Bank of Canada cut the overnight rate last week. Those cuts, and the boost they gave to the economy by lowering borrowing costs for people and companies, present new opportunities for investors. Enter dividend stocks, which are stocks that kick back a share of company profits to shareholders and can offer returns as high as 6% to 8%. For instance, the dividend on Scotiabank stock is $1.06 a share and Canadian Natural Resources offers $1.05 a share, in addition to any gains in a stock’s value. Experts say yields could trend higher as interest rates get even lower. But before you go running to pile money into these stocks, remember that stock prices can also fall, and your investments can lose value if the company falls on hard times. With bonds and GICs, the potential for returns might be lower, but at least you will always know that you will likely get back the amount you put in, plus a little extra.