frank50

Hazelle jie jie said that "REIT is very easy to understand" wor. So, I asked DeepSeek...
Several factors could dampen REIT yields in Singapore, affecting either the dividend income or the share price dynamics. Here's a structured analysis:
1. Economic Downturn
Reduced Rental Income: A slowdown in Singapore's economy (e.g., driven by global trade declines or sector-specific downturns) could lower tenant demand, increase vacancies, and pressure rental rates, directly reducing REIT dividends.
Tenant Defaults: Struggling businesses (e.g., retail, hospitality) may default on leases, impacting REIT cash flows.
2. Interest Rate Hikes
Higher Borrowing Costs: Rising interest rates increase financing expenses for leveraged REITs, squeezing profit margins and potentially reducing dividends.
Investor Shift to Bonds: Higher rates may make fixed-income assets more attractive, diverting capital from REITs and lowering share prices. However, if dividends fall faster than prices, yields decline.
3. Regulatory and Tax Changes
Stricter Leverage Limits: MAS-imposed caps on debt (e.g., current 50% gearing limit) could restrict growth or force asset sales.
Tax Reforms: Reduced tax incentives for REITs or foreign investors (e.g., withholding tax adjustments) might deter investment, lowering demand and prices.
4. Property Market Dynamics
Oversupply: Excess commercial or industrial space could depress rents and occupancy rates, particularly in sectors like office or retail.
Cooling Measures: Government policies (e.g., higher stamp duties) may reduce property transaction volumes, affecting REIT valuations.
5. Currency Risks
SGD Appreciation: S-REITs with overseas assets (e.g., in ASEAN or Europe) face currency translation losses if the SGD strengthens, reducing dividend payouts.
6. Global and Local Crises
Pandemics/Geopolitical Tensions: Events like COVID-19 disproportionately hit retail and hospitality REITs. Geopolitical instability in Asia could disrupt supply chains, impacting industrial REITs.
7. Sector-Specific Pressures
Remote Work/E-Commerce: Reduced demand for office space and traditional retail properties, while boosting logistics REITs, may unevenly impact yields.
Sustainability Costs: Mandatory green upgrades (e.g., BCA Green Mark requirements) raise operational expenses, cutting distributable income.
8. Inflation and Cost Pressures
Operating Costs: Rising utility, labor, or maintenance expenses outpacing rent increases could erode margins.
9. Investor Sentiment and Alternatives
Capital Flight: Compelling alternatives (e.g., rising bond yields or equity markets) may draw investors away from REITs, lowering prices. However, sustained demand for yield could paradoxically drive prices up, compressing yields if dividends stagnate.
10. Demographic and Technological Shifts
Aging Population: Increased demand for healthcare assets but reduced demand for office/retail in aging areas.
Tech Disruption: Automation reducing demand for certain industrial spaces or data centers.
Conclusion
REIT yields in Singapore are sensitive to macroeconomic conditions, regulatory changes, and sectoral trends. A combination of declining rental income, rising costs, and shifts in investor preferences could suppress yields. Monitoring interest rates, government policies, and global economic health is crucial for anticipating yield movements in S-REITs.

The_Joyful_Investors

Reply to @frank50 : By this reasoning, the same can be said for stocks or other asset classes as well if you ask GPT. The key is to know what is/are the (few) most important thing(s) at a particular point in time that is more likely to move the markets.

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tantan888

If by “a couple of years” you mean 2 years then you’re off by slightly over a couple of years 😅

quekdon

Scare no buy. No scare buy. Also too much spare money now bank FD 2% & below, also must add more into SGX mkt for higher returns that beat actual inflation rate of 4% pa

The_Joyful_Investors

Reply to @quekdon : Yeap that is part of our personal consideration as well. Be both problem minded and opportunity minded.

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