REITs well-placed to weather local volatility - chair

Cape Town - Downgrading to junk status and ongoing political tomfoolery might make South African investors a little anxious about protecting their investment portfolios against the market volatility resulting from the uncertainty created by the current environment.
 
But, as the SA Real Estate Investment Trust Association (SA REIT) points out, REITs are relatively well-placed to weather the expected instability, making them an excellent hold during periods of volatility.
 
In spite of these uncertainties, REITs are forecast to post total returns in the range of 8% to 10% for 2017.
 
“It is important to realise that many SA REIT counters were aware of the possibility of a rating downgrade and had planned accordingly,” says SA REIT chair Izak Petersen, who is also CEO of Dipula Income Fund.

“This is where the benefit of experienced and professional management can be clearly seen.”
 
Offshore diversification is one strategy that local REITs are also employing.
 
“SA REITs currently have offshore exposure of about 30% to 40% of their earnings,” explains Mark Stevens, chair of the SA REIT marketing committee and CEO of Fortress Property Fund.

“This provides a buffer against local market uncertainty and serves as a rand hedge.”

READ: The investment case for listed property

Interest rate hedging is another strategy.
 
REITs in SA have on average typically hedged about 80% of their interest exposure with the hedge expiry profile being three-to four-years, making them less vulnerable to interest rate fluctuations due to a volatile rand.
 
And finally, low gearing levels in the sector ensures REITs are resilient to fluctuations.
 
“With low loan-to-value (LTV) ratios and strong balance sheets, REITs are able to wait out market ebbs and flows and perform well over the longer-term horizon,” says Petersen.
 
REITs have consistently outperformed other investment sectors in the last 20 years.
 
“Compared to the 16% average return generated by equities over that time, listed property has achieved a 19% average return,” explains Petersen.
 
SA REIT members comprise all listed SA REITs and represent a market capitalisation of around R400bn.

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