is it better to buy before or after the ex dividend date 
while it might seem to make sense to buy before the ex dividend date so you can receive the dividend buying after has perks too that s because the market usually adjusts the stock price to reflect the dividend payout meaning you ll typically see a reduction in price equal to the amount of the dividend will i get a dividend if i sell before the ex date no you won t get the dividend if you sell before the ex date because you would not be recorded as an investor entitled to dividends on the record date you ll need to hold the shares until the ex date or later to receive the payout 