A Stellar Year So Far for REITs

WASHINGTON, DC-Continuing their fairy tale-like performance streak, REITs have posted an excellent half year, according to new figures from NAREIT. Essentially they have delivered a 10.6% return through June compared to 6% from the S&P 500. They have also raised $36 billion in new capital–much of which is being used for acquisitions.

According to NAREIT, in the first half of 2011, the FTSE NAREIT All REITs Index was up 9.93% and the FTSE NAREIT All Equity REITs Index was up 10.62% compared to 6.02% for the S&P 500. On a 12 month basis ended June 30, 2011, the FTSE NAREIT All REITs Index was up 32.86% and the FTSE NAREIT All Equity REITs Index was up 34.09% compared to the S&P 500’s 30.69% gain. REITs have also raised roughly $36 billion in new capital, which is being used for acquisitions.