April 6 (Reuters) - U.S. dividend funds have faced steep outflows this year after strong inflows last year as investors rush to safer money market funds and bank deposits, providing high returns without much risk. According to Refinitiv data, U.S. dividend funds witnessed an outflow of $5.6 billion in the first quarter of this year, the first in 10 quarters. On the other hand, U.S. money market funds secured a massive $391.5 billion inflow in the first quarter, the biggest in three years. "As long as the stability and income generated from money market funds remain attractive relative to stocks, the outflows may continue this year." However, some analysts said dividend funds are still the safer option as they invest in companies with solid balance sheets and healthy cash flows which are likely to be more resilient during an economic slowdown.

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