ALPS Active REIT ETF

REIT

Market cap $57.7M

As REIT earnings season kicks into gear this week, we preview results and major sector trends based on recent operating indicators, company commentary, and real estate market data. REITs enter earnings season with solid momentum, outperforming the market despite elevated Treasury yields and geopolitical volatility, as investors refocus on earnings growth, property fundamentals, dividends, M&A, and capital allocation. Encouraging green shoots have become more plentiful, including resilient hotel demand, robust senior housing growth, improving apartment and industrial fundamentals, and a rebound in retail leasing following a softer Q1.

Preferred shares can offer enticing high-single-digit yields, but they can create a misleading sense of safety. I detail some of the biggest potential traps that retirees often fall into. I also share some of my top preferred picks of the moment.

Retirement income requires more than just high yield. REIT funds may not be the best solution. A balanced REIT portfolio can offer income and growth.

Considering that the Federal Reserve hasn't obliged with interest rate cuts that likely would help the sector, real estate equities and the related ETFs are performing admirably this year. Just look at the ALPS Active REIT ETF (REIT).

REITs have refused to break in 2026 despite oil-driven inflation pressure, rising Treasury yields, and a Fed narrative that flipped from multiple rate cuts to potential hikes. The “Rates Up, REITs Down” regime has weakened, with REIT-rate correlations falling sharply as fundamentals, strategy, capital allocation, and valuation catalysts increasingly drive performance. M&A has helped break the rate-driven narrative, validating public-market discounts to NAV and proving that REITs can unlock value through consolidation, privatizations, and strategic alternatives.

Confirming there are benefits when active management is applied in the real estate sector, the ALPS Active REIT ETF (REIT) is up more than 13% year-to-date and is beating the largest passive ETF in the category by about 500 basis points since the start of the year.

REITs, BDCs, and MLPs are structured to be powerful income machines. I detail a REIT, BDC, and MLP that I think are ideal for retiring on dividends. I also share some risk factors to keep in mind for each of them.

Real estate investment trust (REIT) distributions do not qualify for preferential dividend tax rates.

WELL plans a 15% quarterly dividend hike to 85 cents per share, signaling strong cash flow, low payout ratios and confidence in future growth.

Owning rental property promises income but delivers tenants, maintenance calls, vacancies, and property tax surprises.