The present invention provides a dispersion of polymer particles comprising, as polymerized units, by dry weight based on total dry weight of the polymer particles, from 85% to 99.9% ethylenically unsaturated nonionic monomers, from 0.01% to 4% phosphorous-containing (meth)acrylate monomers, and at least one neutralizer. The final pH of the polymer dispersion is above 6, and from 50% to 100% by mole of the total neutralizers are alcohol amines. The present invention further provides a paint comprising said dispersion. The paint has both satisfactory paint viscosity stability and improved paint performances such as scrub resistance, stain resistance, corrosion resistance and durability.