Qbank not correct? following, developed, companies

maxmeomeo

Q# 138205:
Dan Bridges, head of equity strategies for Paca Inc. a consultant to institutional investors makes the following statement:
Globally, the developed markets have seen a decline in dividend payout ratios over time. Lately, we have also seen an increase in the proportion of companies engaging in share repurchases.
Bridges’ statement is most likely:
A) Correct
B) Incorrect as to dividend payout ratios.
C) Incorrect as to companies engaging in share repurchases.
The thing gives the correct answer as A. However, CFAI text states that “both aggregate dividend amounts as well as payout ratios have generally increased over time, although the fraction of dividend payers has decreased.”, which means B is the correct answer.
Could anyone clarify?

mdfb79

QuangHoang wrote:
Ah, so by “developed markets”, they are referring to the companies cumulatively, not individually, correct?
Sure, that’s one way to look at it… developed markets incorporate millions of firms, not just one.