📊 What Is a REIT? A REIT is a company that owns, operates, or finances income‑producing real estate. Modeled after mutual funds, REITs pool investor capital to buy properties and distribute at least 90% of taxable income as dividends . Created by U.S. Congress in 1960 to democratize access to commercial real estate. 🏦 Types of REITs Equity REITs : Own and manage properties (apartments, offices, warehouses, data centers). ~90% of REITs fall into this category. Mortgage REITs (mREITs) : Finance real estate by lending or buying mortgages. Offer high yields (8–12%) but carry interest rate risk. Hybrid REITs : Combine property ownership with mortgage lending. Public Non‑Traded REITs : SEC‑registered but not exchange‑listed; less volatile but illiquid. 🌍 Global REIT Outlook 2026 United States: Shopping centers and senior housing show strong fundamentals. Asia Pacific: Japan REITs benefit from rent growth and governance reforms; Australia’s AREITs supported by inflation‑linke...