How might this dividend announcement influence short-term trading volume and potential price reactions leading up to the ex-dividend date?

Short‑run volume:

The 4 % dividend uplift (‑$0.45 vs $0.43) is a clear, positive signal that VICI is boosting cash returns. When a REIT announces a higher payout, dividend‑seeking funds and income‑oriented investors usually scramble to buy the record‑date‑eligible shares. This tends to generate a noticeable rise in daily volume during the “dividend‑run‑up” – especially in the two‑week window between the announcement (June 27) and the ex‑dividend date (Sept 18). Expect the average‑daily‑volume (ADV) of VICI, which normally sits around 500‑800k shares, to swell 20‑40 % as market‑making desks and institutional accounts adjust their holdings.

Potential price reaction:

In the three‑day buffer before the ex‑date, the market typically prices‑in the dividend by discounting the cash‑flow benefit. For a quarterly dividend of $0.45, the price‑adjustment on the ex‑date is roughly –$0.45 (‑$1.80 annualized) on a 4‑month‑forward basis, but investors often pre‑empt this discount. Consequently, you may see a modest “run‑up” of 1‑2 % (≈ $0.30‑$0.40) as the stock trades toward the record date, followed by a predictable post‑ex decline of a similar magnitude once the dividend is detached. The net effect is a short‑term, low‑volatility bounce that can be exploited with a “buy‑the‑dip” or “post‑ex sell‑short” play.

Actionable take‑away:

If you’re a short‑term trader, look for the volume spike and a 1‑2 % price rise in the week after the announcement. A prudent entry point is the first pull‑back to near‑recent support (≈ $14.50‑$14.70) before the ex‑date, positioning for a small, quick profit as the dividend detaches. Conversely, if you prefer to avoid the inevitable post‑ex decline, consider exiting or placing a protective stop a few cents above the anticipated $0.45 drop, locking in the run‑up gains. The trade is low‑risk, high‑probability, and driven more by the mechanics of the dividend schedule than by a change in underlying REIT fundamentals.