Wishes for Singapore Reits on turning 20

WITH a portfolio of 3 malls in Singapore, CapitaMall Trust made its trading debut on the Singapore Exchange in July 2002 - becoming the first real estate investment trust (Reit) to list here.

There is plenty to celebrate with the growth of the Reit sector over 2 decades.  Today, Reits account for 7 out of the 30 constituents of the benchmark Straits Times Index. Many Reits have successfully grown via acquisitions and raised funds from the capital markets. There are various examples of mergers between trusts, and trusts diversifying into new geographies and asset classes.

Trusts owning new economy assets such as data centres have debuted on the local bourse, as have trusts that own only overseas assets. Through Reits, retail investors can own fractions of prime buildings in vehicles that pay out much of their earnings and adhere to guidelines on gearing and investment activities.