How are Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) navigating economic shifts and outperforming the broader equity market in 2026? In this episode of America's Commercial Real Estate Show, host Michael Bull sits down with Edward Pierzak, Senior Vice President of Research at Nareit, to break down the operational performance, balance sheet metrics, and future outlook for the REIT sector. Despite facing macroeconomic shocks like geopolitical conflicts and inflation worries, REITs have maintained incredible momentum throughout the first half of the year. Edward provides an insider look into sector-specific trends—explaining why lodging, resorts, and data centers are leading the pack in 2026 after a turbulent 2025, and how well-amenitized, well-located properties are driving a performance bifurcation within the office sector. Key Topics Covered We explore how REITs are keeping their momentum and outpacing broad equity markets in 2026. Edward shares a deep dive into specific sectors, detailing the rebound of data centers, the rise of lodging and senior housing, and the nuanced truth behind the "office is dead" headlines. We also take a look into Nareit's REIT Industry Tracker, detailing how high occupancy rates, solid FFO, and fixed-rate unsecured debt are giving public REITs a competitive advantage. Additionally, we discuss the lingering public-private divergence, examining why valuations are misaligned and what this dislocation means for savvy institutional and retail investors. Finally, we analyze the recent wave of consolidation, REIT-to-REIT mergers, and the growth of internal investment management platforms. "REITs have had a great start of the year... we still think that there's definitely more fuel in the tank." — Edward Pierzak Whether you are looking to invest, advise, or track institutional quality real estate trends, this episode delivers the vital market intelligence you need to finish 2026 strong. Connect with Edward Pierzak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardfpierzak Nareit Website: https://www.reit.com/ Connect with Michael Bull & The Show: Michael Bull, CCIM Bull Realty, Inc https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbull/ For more commercial real estate market data, sector forecasts, and video episodes, visit CREshow.com. America’s Commercial Real Estate Show is brought to you by our proud sponsors. TCN Worldwide: Commercial real estate property management, leasing, and sales solutions across the US and globally. Learn more: https://www.tcnworldwide.com Build Out: The ultimate product suite for commercial real estate brokerage firms looking to streamline their business. Learn more: https://www.buildout.com Bull Realty: Regional commercial real estate brokerage services headquartered in Atlanta, delivering market intel and strategies.Learn more: https://www.bullrealty.com Commercial Agent Success Strategies: Twenty-one cloud accessed commercial broker training videos with slide deck action notes. Learn more at https://www.commercialagentsuccess.com/

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related