REIT Operating Performance Points to Upside Potential in the Year Ahead

The economy continues to experience a high degree of uncertainty, but operating performance across the REIT industry indicates that there could be some upside potential in the year ahead, said Nareit Senior Economist Calvin Schnure.

On the economic front, positive figures for housing starts, existing home sales, and the homebuilders’ survey have been tempered by high jobless claims, soaring mortgage delinquencies, and a wave of bankruptcies.

“The bottom line right now is that the economy is struggling to get back on its feet. It’s making some progress, but it’s going to continue to struggle so long as the COVID-19 virus remains uncontained,” Schnure said.