Industry experts predict the real estate sector will register slowed economic growth in 2023 amid higher-than-average inflation levels and growing recession fears. And real estate investment trusts (REITs) have historically remained well-positioned to weather economic uncertainties.
Real estate was the second-worst-performing sector after technology in 2022, primarily because of multiple rate hikes. The Federal Reserve raised the benchmark federal funds rate seven times last year to the highest level in 15 years to mitigate inflationary pressures. The S&P United States REIT index plunged 27% in 2022.
Real estate was one of the worst-performing sectors in 2022, as rising interest rates and low demand pummeled both residential and commercial real estate investment trusts (REITs). The Real Estate Select Sector SPDR ETF has declined by 27.8% year to date. In comparison, the benchmark S&P 500 index is down only 19.7% in 2022.
Though the majority of publicly-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs) have been recovering over the past two months, the Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance combined with the macroeconomic uncertainties raise questions regarding their latest upswing.