
Why This 'Goldilocks' Setup For REITs Has Completely Failed
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.
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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.
Osaic Holdings Inc. increased its position in shares of iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:IYR) by 70.7% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 85,616 shares of the real estate investment trust's stock after purchasing an additional 35,463
Corient Private Wealth LLC decreased its holdings in shares of iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:IYR) by 27.3% during the undefined quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 31,863 shares of the real estate investment trust's stock after selling

B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:IYR) in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 10,486 shares of the real estate investment trust's stock, valued at approximately $994,000. A number

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.

iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF is underperforming peers and the broader market, with a 3.4% decline over the last month and lagging the S&P 500 in 2025. IYR faces risks from rising Treasury yields, low credit spreads, and potential investor rotation back into bonds if yields rise further. REIT ETFs, including IYR, have enjoyed strong long-term returns but are now rolling over amid macroeconomic headwinds and sector underperformance.

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.

Americana Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:IYR) during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 21,896 shares of the real estate investment trust's stock, valued at approximately $2,075,000. Americana Partners LLC

Bessemer Group Inc. reduced its position in shares of iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:IYR) by 54.1% in the undefined quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 4,993 shares of the real estate investment trust's stock after selling 5,878 shares

D.A. Davidson and CO. raised its stake in iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:IYR) by 11.0% in the undefined quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 3,580 shares of the real estate investment trust's stock after purchasing an additional 355 shares during the quarter. D.A. Davidson

Brookstone Capital Management purchased a new stake in iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:IYR) during the undefined quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 2,965 shares of the real estate investment trust's stock, valued at approximately $281,000. Other institutional

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.

Every month, we screen for high-yield dividend yields, but those that also deliver relatively consistent growth with regular dividend increases. The parameters of the screening also include dividend safety, which factors in payout ratios, debt and free cash flow as some key metrics. While these names screen highly, it is important to remember that it is only an initial dive; more due diligence is necessary before making any investment decision.

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.

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.