DHC - 'Tis The Season Of REIT Dividends

Summary

• U.S. equity markets retreated this week as investors positioned for the upcoming FOMC meeting while a chorus of analysts and executives expressed doubt on the likelihood of a "soft landing."
• Posting its worst week since mid-September, the S&P 500 slid 3.3% on the week - slumping following a strong stretch of five-of-seven weekly gains sparked by October CPI report.
• Buoyed by a wave of REIT dividend hikes and decent homebuilder earnings results, real estate equities were among the leaders this week. Equity REITs declined 2.1% while Homebuilders declined 1%.
• 'Tis the season for REIT dividends. Despite the broader economic slowdown, REIT dividend increases continue to significantly outpace decreases. 12 REITs hiked their dividends this week - including a pair of special dividends - while 3 REITs lowered their payouts.
• PPI inflation data showed that wholesale prices rose slightly faster than expected in November - a setback following several encouraging inflation reports over the past month - but internals of the report were more encouraging.

For further details see: