Chart of the Day: See the best performing office REITs in H2

Keppel REIT tops the list with returns of 9% in H2 YTD.

This chart from the Singapore Exchange (SGX) shows that Keppel REIT is the best-performing office REIT in the second half of 2018 YTD with returns of 9%.

It is closely followed by CapitaLand Commercial Trust (6.5%), and Suntec REIT (5.7%). Together, the three office REITs saw average returns of 7%.

Also read: Office sector weathers slumping stock markets better than Hong Kong

“Analysts have noted revived investor interest in Singapore REITs, driven by a flight to safety amidst rising risk-aversion,” SGX said. In November 2018, the REITs sector saw net inflow of $28.1 m by institutional investors, reversing three consecutive months of net outflows.”

Other office REITs listed on SGX include Frasers Commercial Trust (4.9%), Mapletree North Asia Commercial Trust (2.7%), IREIT Global (0.4%) and Manulife US REIT (-5.8%).

The outlook for Singapore's office sector continues to improve as Grade A office rents in CBD picked up pace at 4.3% in Q3. 

“In view of tight vacancy and muted supply, we expect the steady upward rental trend to persist over the next two years, with average rent rising an estimated 8% YoY in 2019, and a further 5% YoY over 2020,” Colliers International said in a previous report.