iShares Core US REIT ETF

USRT

Market cap $3.35B

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.

Everything says REITs should be soaring — but they aren't. A hidden headwind is quietly holding returns back. One overlooked niche is where I am pouring my REIT capital.

The REIT sector returned to positive territory in November (+1.02%) after back-to-back months in the red. Mid caps (+3.53%) led the REIT sector in November followed by small caps (+3.38%) and large caps (+0.32%); micro caps (-8.76%) badly underperformed. 68.15% of REIT securities had a positive total return in November.

Year-to-date returns across the REIT market varied remarkably, with large gains from non-U.S. REITs and U.S. healthcare REITs, while U.S. residential and data center sectors were notable laggards. In the last three years, there have been two major forces impacting the performance of equity markets and real estate. Today's public REIT market looks a lot different than what most investors expect. Sectors previously considered niche have grown to be essential in today's economy and society.

The REIT sector has seen back-to-back tough months as it saw a modest average negative total return in September (-0.73%) and fell deeper into the red in October (-4.03%). Small cap REITs (-5.05%) had the worst performance in October. Micro caps (-2.81%), mid caps (-3.11%) and large caps (-4.45%) were also in negative territory albeit to a smaller degree. Only 21.66% of REIT securities had a positive total return in October.

After a strong August, REITs faded slightly in September (-0.73%), pulling the REIT sector's year-to-date average total return down to (-1.74%). Mid-cap REITs (-0.92%) averaged the lowest total return in September. Large caps (-0.29%), micro caps (-0.79%), and small caps (-0.83%) averaged modestly smaller declines. Only 37.4% of REIT securities had a positive total return in September.

For nearly five decades, US REITs have delivered stronger returns than broad US stocks in the 12 months following Federal Reserve easing cycles. Rate cuts may increase the attractiveness of REIT dividends, potentially making them a compelling option for investors seeking yield potential and portfolio diversification. Data centers, telecom infrastructure, and health care REITs have historically benefited the most from lower rates due to long-duration leases and capital-intensive models.

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.

After a strong June (+2.56%), the REIT sector recovery stalled in July (-1.17%) as REITs fell to a -6.42% year-to-date return. Micro cap REITs (-0.20%) outperformed in July while mid caps (-1.18%), small caps (-1.33%) and large caps (-1.55%) averaged slightly deeper negative returns. 60.65% of REIT securities had a negative total return in July.

I rate USRT as a hold: it's diversified, low-cost, and steady, but lacks compelling growth to justify a buy rating right now. USRT offers sectoral diversification and exposure to resilient trends like logistics, senior housing, retail, multifamily, and data centers, enhancing portfolio resilience. Despite industry-leading low volatility and decent returns, USRT's performance doesn't significantly outpace risk free assets, making it less attractive in a high-rate environment.