JPMorgan BetaBuilders MSCI US REIT ETF (BBRE)
The State Of REITs: May 2026 Edition
The REIT sector roared back into positive territory after a very brutal March. REITs averaged a remarkable 8.9% April gain and now have a +6.31% year-to-date total return. Small-cap REITs (+11.35%) soared in April as large caps (+9.05%) and mid caps (+8.13%) also saw strong gains. Micro caps (+4.49%) were also in the black but badly lagged. 91.33% of REIT securities had a positive total return in April.
REIT Market Perspectives - December 2025
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.
REIT Earnings Preview: Here's What We're Watching
Real estate earnings season kicks into gear this week, and over the next month, we'll hear results from 175 equity REITs, 40 mortgage REITs, and dozens of housing industry companies. One step forward, one back: Matching the stubborn performance pattern seen last year, REITs rallied ahead of the Fed's September rate cut but stumbled into the start of earnings season. In this report, we focus specifically on property-level fundamentals, previewing and forecasting REIT earnings performance based on an analysis of recent indicators across various sources.
Rally In The Dark
U.S. equity markets rebounded this past week as the White House resumed negotiations with China following a major tariff threat, while investors focused on bank earnings that raised some eyebrows. Consistent with the "risk-off" theme that has prevailed amid the ongoing federal government shutdown with no resolution in sight, short-term Treasury yields receded to the lowest levels in three years. Buoyed by a dip in benchmark rates, real estate equities led the rebound this week after REIT earnings season began on a positive note with surprisingly strong industrial REIT results.
Why U.S. REITs May Shine In A Rate-Cutting Environment
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.
Echoes Of Earlier Easing
U.S. equity markets snapped a four-week winning streak, while benchmark interest rates rose as investors parsed a surprisingly strong slate of economic data, including a two-year high for GDP growth. The Citi Economic Surprise Index has completed a volatile round-trip this month, plunging in early September ahead of the Fed rate decision before rebounding sharply in recent weeks. The recent trend has echoed patterns during the prior Fed easing in late 2024, when mid-year weakness prompted a policy pivot that was subsequently cut short by a late-year economic rebound.
The State Of REITs: September 2025 Edition
REITs performed very well in August (+5.48%), almost pulling the REIT sector's year-to-date total return back into the black (-1.11%). Small cap (+7.52%) and mid cap REITs (+7.13%) averaged strong gains in August while large caps (+3.16%) and micro caps (+0.87%) averaged more modest returns. 83.87% of REIT securities had a positive total return in August.
The State Of REITs: August 2025 Edition
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.
Why Consider U.S. REITs Now?
Most US REITs make nearly 90% of their revenue domestically, compared to 72% for typical U.S. stocks. Healthcare, residential, and needs-based retail are less affected by trade disruptions, while office, lodging, and timber are more vulnerable. They're trading at a -2.79x earnings multiple discount to US stocks - one of the widest gaps in decades.
The Bulls Are Back
U.S. equity markets surged to fresh record-highs as investors cheered a confluence of positive headlines: a temporary ceasefire in the Middle East, productive trade talks, and progress on tax cuts. Oil prices tumbled after the U.S. destroyed a trio of Iranian nuclear facilities in a formidable and decisive show of force, eliciting a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Traders priced in additional rate cuts as tumbling oil prices and economic data that remains devoid of meaningful inflation prompted dovish dissents from several Fed officials.
The State Of REITs: June 2025 Edition
REITs saw a month of recovery in May (+2.08%), but still have a long way to go to get back into the black in 2025 with an average -7.33% return. Micro cap REITs (-0.73%) continued to struggle, while small caps (+4.28%), mid-caps (+1.83%) and large caps (+0.91%) saw gains. 62.58% of REIT securities had a positive total return in May.
Fed Ditches 'Data Dependent'
U.S. equity markets posted a second-straight week of declines after the U.S. Federal Reserve indicated that it remains in "no rush" to ease its "modestly restrictive" policy stance. Raising questions on whether the Fed can continue to claim itself "data dependent," Fed Chair Powell dismissed recent economic data while doubling-down on forecasts of "meaningful" tariff-driven inflation. Benchmark interest rates ticked lower this week as traders digested the Federal Reserve's rate decision alongside a generally downbeat slate of economic data and heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
The Drivers Behind REIT Dividend Growth
This post takes a closer look at the underlying mechanics that allow Realty Income and other high-quality REITs to grow their distributions over decades without compromising sustainability. While Realty Income's dividend shows the familiar stair-step pattern of monthly increases over time, what's most important is that this growth appears supported by a steadily rising AFFO base. One of the most reliable indicators of a REIT's health is its occupancy rate. This metric tells you what percentage of a REIT's total properties are currently leased and producing rental income.
An Epic Comeback
US equity markets erased their post-Liberation Day sell-off this week - notching their best winning streak in two decades - as investors parsed surprisingly solid corporate earnings and employment data. A critical slate of employment data this week showed that job growth remained relatively strong in April, despite the extreme market volatility and plunge in consumer and business sentiment. The PCE Index - the Federal Reserve's preferred gauge of inflation - cooled to the lowest-level in almost five years, swinging the market narrative from "stagflation" and back towards "soft landing."
2025 REIT Market Perspectives And A Look Ahead
A notable defensive rotation is underway this year, benefitting REIT stocks. The recipe that makes REITs a compelling investment today already contains two important ingredients – cheap valuations and positive fundamentals. With a macro backdrop starting to wobble, it's important to realize the steady, durable earnings that REITs offer.
8 U.S. REITs Announce Dividend Increases In March
Since 2000, annual returns of international equities have been better than those of the U.S. only nine times. As concerns grow about the impact of tariffs on the economy and uncertainty looms, market participants appear to be reducing their weight in the U.S. Amid geopolitical tensions and evolving trade policies, international equities from developed markets in 2025 have outperformed the U.S. YTD, as some market participants are turning their focus to other geographies.
The State Of REITs: March 2025 Edition
REITs bounced back (+1.77%) in February and now have a positive year-to-date total return (+0.79%) after the first two months of the year. Large cap (+4.58%), small cap (+2.00%) and mid cap REITs (+0.98%) performed well in February while micro caps (-1.55%) continued to badly underperform their larger peers. 64.97% of REIT securities had a positive total in February.
REIT Slope Adjustment Has Overshadowed Future Value Gains
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.
Not All 2% Spreads Are Created Equal
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.
What We're Watching This REIT Earnings Season
Real estate earnings season kicks into gear this week, and over the next month, we'll hear results from 175 equity REITs, 40 mortgage REITs, and dozens of housing industry companies. Following a year-end tumble that lingered into early 2025, REITs enter earnings season with a bit of upside momentum as Treasury Yields eased from the cusp of two-decade highs. Largely immune from trade/tariff and AI-related risk, REITs are coming back into favor after three years of historic underperformance, which has driven valuations to unusually "cheap" levels.