Schwab US REIT ETF

SCHH

Market cap $9.76B

REITs, including Vanguard REIT ETF (VNQ), have underperformed recently due to multiple compression and the impact of rising interest rates. Historically, REITs have delivered returns comparable to the S&P 500, with recent underperformance mostly driven by valuation adjustments rather than fundamental weakness. The transition from rising to stable high interest rates is now a tailwind for REITs, supporting higher forward growth rates and improved acquisition economics.

Schwab US REIT ETF is not an effective hedge against push inflation. Investors usually price higher risk premiums when push-side inflation occurs. Push inflation raises the possibility of higher financing costs, and asset-level escalation might be capped by a pressured demand side.

After a solid January performance, the REIT sector recovery gained steam in February with a stronger +3.70% return. Large cap REITs (+5.80%) led the REIT sector in February with strong gains from mid caps (+5.26%) and small caps (+4.94%). Micro caps (-6.12%) badly underperformed again in February. 71.71% of REIT securities had a positive total return in February.

REIT ETFs, like SCHH, are in focus after the 30-year mortgage rate dipped to 5.98%, boosting real estate valuations and dividend appeal.

The REIT sector rebounded from a rough 2025 (-3.57%) by starting off 2026 in the black (+1.09%). Small-cap REITs (+3.27%) outperformed in January, followed by solid gains from mid-caps (+2.65%) and large caps (+2.35%). Microcaps, however, had a dismal start to the year with. 63.46% of REIT securities had a positive total return in January.

REITs, as measured by VNQ, have outperformed in 2026, emerging as a safe haven amid tech and market declines. REITs offer reliable, contractual cash flows and dividend yields (3.8%) far exceeding the S&P's 1.15%, with FFO yields at 7.24%. Current REIT valuations (13.8x FFO) are historically cheap relative to the S&P (29.3x earnings), creating a compelling cash flow yield spread.

The Schwab U.S. REIT ETF (NYSEARCA:SCHH) has gained 1.6% year-to-date, but the real question isn't past performance—it's what comes next.

REITs are great additions to your portfolio. Realty Income is a top-notch REIT.

The REIT sector closed out 2025 with a tough December (-1.48%) and finishing the year with a -3.57% total return for 2025. Small caps (+0.51%) eked out a small gain in December, while mid caps (-1.77%), large caps (-2.55%) and micro caps (-3.88%) fell at the close of the year. 42.04% of REIT securities had a positive total return in December with only 38.36% in the black for the full year.

RWR charges a higher expense ratio but delivers a higher dividend yield than SCHH. Both funds are pure-play U.S. REIT portfolios with similar top holdings, but RWR holds fewer securities.