Singapore Reits poised for comeback

SINGAPORE: REAL-ESTATE investment trusts (Reits) are poised to take advantage of lower commercial-property prices to grow portfolios and boost dividends to shareholders, after spending over a year on the sidelines, analysts say.

Singapore Reits, which own about US$34 billion (S$47.4 billion) of properties across Asia, have come through the financial crisis better than counterparts elsewhere and are well capitalised to weather potential risks from a shaky global economic recovery.

Their strong fiscal position means Reits such as Mapletree Logistics and Ascott Residence Trust are seeking to buy cheap warehouses and serviced apartments, which will improve dividends and could boost their stock values if the commercial-property market picks up.

SINGAPORE: REAL-ESTATE investment trusts (Reits) are poised to take advantage of lower commercial-property prices to grow portfolios and boost dividends to shareholders, after spending over a year on the sidelines, analysts say.

Singapore Reits, which own about US$34 billion (S$47.4 billion) of properties across Asia, have come through the financial crisis better than counterparts elsewhere and are well capitalised to weather potential risks from a shaky global economic recovery.

Their strong fiscal position means Reits such as Mapletree Logistics and Ascott Residence Trust are seeking to buy cheap warehouses and serviced apartments, which will improve dividends and could boost their stock values if the commercial-property market picks up. — Asia One News