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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 weak trend in global trade and growth will not be enough to support risky assets such as equities in the coming months.The recent 10%+ consolidation in equities clearly shows how vulnerable is the market currently 'without' central banks and governments' help.Leading indicators such as South Korea exports not showing any sign of positive momentum for global equities in the near term.Global uncertainty and investors' fear will keep price volatility elevated for the rest of the year.

International Real Estate offers both geographic and currency diversification. Owning a claim on physical assets outside your home country is a good way to sleep better at night.VNQI offers exposure to over 600 REITs in over 50 countries at an expense ratio of 0.12%.As a bonus, VNQI is cheap: the P/B ratio is less than half that of comparable US funds.

One of the best-performing REIT sectors this year, Timber REITs have nearly doubled since their mid-pandemic lows in March, reignited by a rejuvenation in the suddenly red-hot U.S. housing market.Housing has proven to be the "ultimate essential service." Households have exhibited a propensity to prioritize housing-related payments and investments in home improvement and living situation upgrades amid the pandemic.Lumber prices have soared to record-highs from the combination of insatiable demand and reduced supply resulting from pandemic-related production shutdowns and forest fires raging in the Pacific Northwest.Timber REITs were caught off-guard by the velocity of the rebound in lumber demand from single-family homebuilding and remodeling activity and have struggled to meet customer demand.Long-term fundamentals look strong for the Timber REIT and broader housing sectors, powered by demographic trends that suggest a revival of the suburbs and single-family housing in the 2020s.