iShares Global REIT ETF

REET

Market cap $3.87B

The real estate market is poised for recovery, making now an opportune time to gain exposure through leading REIT ETFs REET and VNQ. VNQ offers strong U.S. megatrend exposure, especially in 5G and data centers, but REET's global diversification provides better risk-adjusted returns and lower borrowing costs. REET's international allocation, broader holdings, and higher dividend yield make it more resilient amid global economic uncertainty and potential rate cuts.

U.S. equity markets notched another series of record highs this week, surging into the weekend after surprisingly dovish commentary from Federal Reserve Chair Powell, who hinted at imminent rate cuts. Powell used his final Jackson Hole speech as Fed Chair to deliver a clear policy pivot, an unexpected reversal after months of insistence that tariff-related inflation warranted a hawkish framework. Markets were equally relieved by the policy-focused nature of Powell's speech amid speculation that the address may be used instead as a potential defiant sermon on central bank independence.

U.S. equity markets fell sharply this week, while benchmark interest rates retreated to three-month lows, after revised employment data showed that job growth was far weaker than initially reported. The BLS payrolls report showed softer-than-expected hiring in July and the steepest two-month downward revisions to jobs growth since 2020, raising concern that the Fed may be "behind the curve." The downward revisions came days after Fed Chair Powell used it as the primary evidence for "solid" labor markets, which justified the FOMC's decision to keep rates in "restrictive" territory.

REET's global diversification historically diluted returns versus US-only REIT ETFs, but shifting currency and monetary policy dynamics may reverse this trend. Over 70% of REET's holdings are US-based, but exposure to dovish monetary regimes abroad could provide unique upside and risk mitigation. Compared to similar global ETFs like RWO, REET offers lower fees and broader holdings, supporting its value as a core real estate allocation.

Despite recent price declines, REITs' future value has increased due to higher rental rates, increased property values, and reduced competing supply. Higher market demanded returns have steepened the slope, causing REIT prices to drop despite improved fundamentals and future value. The price drop is driven by higher expected returns, not impaired future value, making current REIT valuations a buying opportunity.

Real estate investment spreads are healthier today with higher cap rates and cost of capital, enhancing long-term returns despite similar nominal spreads. Higher cap rates lead to more accretive organic growth, reinvestment, dividends, debt reduction, and buybacks compared to the low-rate environment of early 2022. The current 8% cap rate and 6% cost of capital environment are more favorable for REITs than the previous 6% and 4% scenarios.

iShares Global REIT ETF is rated a hold due to mixed factors, including decelerating interest rate reductions and strong top holdings. REET's top holdings, Prologis, Equinix, and Welltower, are poised for steady revenues, maintaining a sustainable dividend yield despite market volatility. REET's expense ratio is relatively low at 0.14%, making it affordable and more attractively valued compared to similar ETFs.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) have underperformed in recent years due to rising interest rates. The iShares Global REIT ETF is a diversified fund that tracks the largest REITs worldwide. The fund's top holdings include Prologis, Equinix, Welltower, Simon Property Group, and Public Storage.

REIT index performance can be a leading indicator for the asset class as a whole. Our latest Asset Allocation recorded a strong quarter for listed real estate, showing signs of long-awaited resurgence. REITs send encouraging signals. A deeper analysis of sectoral returns since the Great Financial Crisis reveals no clear pattern, vindicating broad sectoral exposure.

REET offers exposure to both market-leading U.S. and international REITs. An expectation of declining interest rates and a weaker U.S. Dollar should be positive for the market segment. REET is well-positioned to rally going forward.