Data center real estate investment trusts (REITs) have been the best-performing sector over the past two years, posting total returns of 28.36 percent in 2015 and 26.41 percent in 2016. Once considered a fringe sector, data centers have charged onto the center stage as internet use and data consumption have skyrocketed. But data centers are also proving to be one of the sectors most sensitive to interest rates: returns stumbled late in 2016 before making a recovery in December. Plus, interest rate survey data from Trepp.
Capitalizing on a strong fourth quarter, hotel real estate investment trusts posted a healthy 25 percent total return for the year. However, hotel consulting firm STR is expecting 2.8 percent RevPAR growth this year, which would be the lowest since 2009. Plus, interest rate survey data from Trepp.
Supply is the name of the game with the apartment sector, which uncharacteristically underperformed through 2016. The sector, which has been a perennial leader in recent years, posted a flat 2.86 percent total return for the year, a stark contrast with its more than 50 percent rise during 2014 and 2015. Plus, interest rate survey data from Trepp.
In a volatile year, the FTSE/NAREIT All REIT Index posted a modest total return of 9.3 percent in 2016, while the S&P 500 saw a total return of 12 percent. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) enjoyed a pleasant opening to the year, followed by a skittish second half as interest rate concerns applied downward pressure.
Industrial real estate investment trusts recently hit their second-highest year-to-date return for 2016 at 24.98 percent. While industry professionals have raised concerns that supply and demand issues may plague the next 12 to 24 months, the industrial sector has been noticeably active as it has posted high aggregate occupancy and low delinquency rates. Plus, interest rate survey data from Trepp.
As the year winds down, returns on real estate investments trusts have continued to slump as gains in interest rates put downward pressure on the sector. According to the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT), the total returns for the FTSE/NAREIT All REIT Index dropped 2 percent in November while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 3.7 percent. Plus, interest rate survey data from Trepp.
While the U.S. economy’s steady growth and low unemployment rate have strengthened the case for raising key interest rates, savvy investors will likely still find yield in specific sectors. Plus, interest rate survey data from Trepp.
