VNQI

U.S. equity markets plunged by the most since March this week as a strong slate of economic data and corporate earnings was overwhelmed by pre-election jitters and amplified coronavirus concerns.A cascading wave of lockdowns across Europe rattled global equity markets while narrowing poll numbers in the U.S. compromise the prospects of a renewed fiscal stimulus package.Sitting on the cusp of "correction territory," the S&P 500 ended the week lower by nearly 6% while major Eurozone equity indexes plunge by over 10%. Technology stocks remained under pressure.Real estate equities were a surprising source of stability. Equity REITs and Mortgage REITs were relative outperformers on the week following a strong start to third-quarter earnings season as three more REITs boosted dividends.This week's sell-off came despite better-than-expected economic data, underscored by a record 33.1% surge in third-quarter GDP growth as the United States continues to outperform essentially all other developed economies during the pandemic.

The average trailing yield has ticked up for an equal-weighted mix of the major asset classes.VNQI's outlier status for payout has been fueled by a tepid rebound after the coronavirus crash in the spring and so payout relative to price looks relatively elevated.The main takeaway: you can probably earn a higher payout vs. what the usual suspects offer in government securities.

U.S. equity markets finished flat this week as better-than-expected economic data and earnings results were offset by a continued fiscal stalemate and pressure on technology stocks amid a censorship controversy.The S&P 500 managed to eke out a 0.1% gain this week. The Nasdaq 100 ended the week on a four-day skid as Twitter and Facebook face Congressional subpoenas.Coming off its best two-week gain since April, a sharp sell-off among COVID-sensitive property sectors sent Equity REITs lower by 2.7% with 17 of 18 property sectors in negative territory.Retail sales were far stronger than expected in September, gaining for the fifth month in a row and setting new record highs. Retail sales are now higher by 5.4% from last year, led by the e-commerce and home improvement categories.While retail sales and housing data have exhibited continued strength, the employment recovery has shown signs of losing steam in recent weeks with Initial Jobless Claims coming in above estimates.

How global real estate has withstood major economic shocks since 1980.Income stability through global real estate.Cities around the world that will lead returns in real estate.

The high-flying cell tower sector has thrived throughout the pandemic. Cellular network capacity has been pushed to the limits as businesses, schools, and individuals stay connected via virtual interaction.5G is here. Apple's upcoming iPhone 12 launch represents the true "arrival" of 5G, the much-anticipated next-generation mobile network that promises to usher in a new era of technological innovation.Cell tower REITs will be the "hub" of these 5G networks, augmented by higher-density small cells. High-power macro towers provide the most economical mix of wide coverage and capacity.Fixed wireless broadband - using a cell network for home broadband - will be 5G’s true “killer app” and will fundamentally disrupt the telecommunications space, likely to the benefit of consumers.Cell tower REITs continue to benefit from favorable competitive positioning within the telecommunication sector. While these REITs are priced for perfection, low supply and high demand should translate into continued pricing power for cell tower REITs.

The amount of cash cycling through one of the world’s largest exchange-traded funds is turning heads across Wall Street.

Healthcare REITs - which have been "ground-zero" of the coronavirus pandemic - have shown signs of life over the past quarter on stabilizing fundamentals and on hopes of a potential vaccine.For senior housing REITs, in particular, the pandemic has put a significant dent in near-term demand and has driven significantly higher expenses, but interim updates suggest the worst is behind them.Despite the headwinds, healthcare REITs reported near-perfect rent collection outside of the senior housing sub-sector. Five healthcare REITs have reduced dividends this year, while three have raised.The long-term outlook for senior housing remains intact as the long-awaited demographic-driven demand boom is finally arriving. Attitudes towards senior housing, however, need to be monitored.No healthcare REIT sector is entirely immune from the long-term consequences of the pandemic. Even the "safe haven" Medical Office Building sub-sector faces pressures from the dramatically increased use of telemedicine.