The State Of REITs: February 2026 Edition

The REIT sector rebounded from a rough 2025 (-3.57%) by starting off 2026 in the black (+1.09%). Small-cap REITs (+3.27%) outperformed in January, followed by solid gains from mid-caps (+2.65%) and large caps (+2.35%). Microcaps, however, had a dismal start to the year with. 63.46% of REIT securities had a positive total return in January.

Seeking Alpha • Feb 19, 2026

The State Of REITs: January 2026 Edition

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.

Seeking Alpha • Jan 14, 2026

ICF vs. XLRE: Real Estate ETFs That Can Build Up Your Portfolio

Both funds are concentrated in large-cap U.S. REITs, with nearly identical top holdings and sector exposures. XLRE charges a lower expense ratio and has a higher dividend yield compared to ICF.

The Motley Fool • Jan 10, 2026

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.

Seeking Alpha • Jan 7, 2026

Vanguard vs. iShares: Is VNQ or ICF the Better U.S. REIT ETF to Buy?

VNQ charges a lower expense ratio and offers a higher dividend yield than ICF. VNQ holds over five times as many positions, with more diversified sector exposure compared to ICF's concentrated REIT lineup.

The Motley Fool • Jan 2, 2026

ICF: Providing Passive Exposure To An Industry Diversified Basket Of REITs

The iShares Select U.S. REIT ETF has underperformed peer REIT ETFs over the long term, but in more recent years, it has become much more competitive. ICF's top three holdings—Welltower, Prologis, and American Tower—comprise ~25% of the fund, leading to significant concentration but diversification of underlying industry exposure. Given high overlap with peer funds and recent relative performance, ICF is likely to track similar results, but all REITs could benefit from a lower rate environment.

Seeking Alpha • Dec 12, 2025

The State Of REITs: December 2025 Edition

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.

Seeking Alpha • Dec 11, 2025

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.

Seeking Alpha • Nov 26, 2025

The State Of REITs: November 2025 Edition

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.

Seeking Alpha • Nov 18, 2025

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.

Seeking Alpha • Oct 22, 2025