“Demographics, along with government reimbursement rates in programs like Medicaid, are key economic drivers of health care REITs,” BlackRock added.
[related_stories]ETF investors seeking a targeted investment option for the two areas may look to the iShares Residential Real Estate Capped ETF (NYSEArca: REZ), which includes a 45.0% tilt toward residential REITs, along with 36.8% healthcare REITs and 18.1% specialized REITs. has increased 10.5% year-to-date. REZ also offers an attractive 3.89% 12-month yield. REZ has increased 7.2% year-to-date and offers an attractive 3.89% 12-month yield.
Broader options also include a small tilt toward the sub-industries. For instance, the Vanguard REIT ETF (NYSEArca: VNQ), the largest REITs-related ETF, allocates 12.6% to health care REITs and 14.9% to residential REITs. VNQ increased 14.0% year-to-date and comes with a 3.27% 12-month yield.
SEE MORE: Sector Transition may Already be Baked Into REITs, ETFs
However, potential investors should be aware of the risks that could weigh on the REITs sector. This market segment is particularly vulnerable to rising interest rates since REITs’ interest payments go up with higher interest rates, which means REITs have less cash to pay dividends for investors. REITs were pulling back Friday, following Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen’s remarks in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on Friday.
For more information on real estate investment trusts, visit our REITs category.