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FIO

Historically, no portfolio was complete without a material allocation to real estate. Consistently high real returns and low correlations to stocks and bonds made it easy to overlook the out-of-whack fundamentals that ultimately led to an unprecedented collapse. But when real estate markets got a reality check in late 2008, many investors swore off the asset class for good. Or so they thought. [click to continue…]

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The Definitive Guide To Real Estate ETFs: Real Estate ETF Investing 101

by Michael Johnston on November 25, 2009

Once considered a vital “return enhancer” in almost every portfolio, real estate as an asset class has fallen out of favor with investors following its spectacular collapse during (and role in causing) the recent global economic downturn. Real estate was historically embraced because of its potential for delivering excess returns in bull property markets and low correlation with traditional stock and bond investments. But as default rates skyrocketed, values plummeted, and correlations went to 1.0, asset managers have sold off real property and reallocated investor portfolios to equities and fixed income. [click to continue…]

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Apartment Glut Keeps Residential Real Estate ETF In Check

by Michael Johnston on October 7, 2009

In recent months, the U.S. housing market has shown signs of life, with several major metropolitan areas eking out small month-over-month gains. While home prices remain well below year-ago levels, there are at least signs that the worst has passed, and a modest recovery is now underway.

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Three ETFs For the Third Quarter

by Michael Johnston on June 30, 2009

With a rocky six months behind us, we turn towards the second half of 2009, a period long since filled with predictions over returns to growth and the end of a global recession. In many regards, the next two quarters will be a “make-it-or-break-it” session for the U.S. economy. If encouraging signs continue to appear, the [...]

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Half Year In Review: Six ETF Stories From The First Six Months of ’09

by Michael Johnston on June 30, 2009

With a roller coaster six months behind us that saw no shortage of interesting twists and turns and unsuspected headlines, we’ve finally reached the midway point of 2009. Ahead of us is the highly anticipated “second half of 2009,” which for months we’ve heard will hold returns to growth, a recovering economy, and enough green [...]

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Global Real Estate ETFs Leave U.S. Funds In Their Dust

by Michael Johnston on June 29, 2009

As the first half of 2009 draws to a close, it seems that we’re finally starting to see things return to some semblance of normality. Equity markets have rallied sharply since bottoming out in March. Volatility is back within its historical range after hitting record highs over the past year. And politicians in Washington have [...]

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