- U.S. equity markets finished flat on the Christmas-shortened week as relief over the passage of the long-delayed fiscal stimulus package through Congress was offset by threats of a Presidential veto.
- Finishing the week within 1% of record-highs, the S&P 500 ended fractionally higher this past week. The reopening-resurgence continued for mid-caps and small-caps, however, which finished higher by roughly 1% each.
- Real estate equities were mixed on the week with 8-of-18 property sectors in positive territory. The inclusion of a substantial $25 billion rental assistance stimulus program lifted residential REITs.
- With lessons learned from the past financial crisis, policymakers have prioritized support for the critical U.S. housing markets throughout the COVID crisis, which has served as the "backbone" for the recovery.
- 'Tis the Season for REIT Dividends. We saw another handful of REITs raised their dividend this week. Several real estate ETFs declared dividends that significantly exceeded pre-pandemic rates.
For further details see:
Last-Minute Gifts For REIT Investors