Nikko Asia REIT ETF and Phillip APAC REIT ETF – A Comparison March 13, 2017

With Additional Information on Interest Rates

It is an exciting time in our local market. We see STI experiencing a rally of close to 220 points with 7% gains, making them one of Asia strongest benchmarks in 2017 YTD. We might see another interest rate hike happening this month and a new launch of Nikko REIT ETF. In this article, I would also like to share some views on interest rates (due to popular demand) and compare the differences and similarities of Nikko Asia REIT ETF and Phillip APAC REIT ETF. Please note that I am currently not vested in either ETFs to prevent any conflict of interest. I do own shares that are components of these ETFs.

Current interest rate environment
Currently, market participants are expecting a gradual rise in interest rates and the one we are looking out for would be this month. In my personal opinion, the rise may happen because we have been seeing more and more Fed officials like William Dudley, Lael Brainard, Jerome Powell and Janet Yellen communicating in a coordinated fashion especially when some of them were dovish at the start but have since begun supporting for the interest rates to be increased soon. Usually, the regional speakers air their opinions as individuals but we are currently seeing more alignment.

Lastly, the latest economic data has been cooperating along with Fed decisions. The US weekly jobless claim was found to be at a 44-year low last week, dropping by 19,000 to a seasonally adjusted 223,000. This is below analyst expectations, increasing the case for an early hike.

Why do interest rates matter?
1. Loans – pegged to SIBOR (Singapore interbank offer rate). As the Fed rate hike increases, rates will affect sectors that borrow in variable loans instead of fixed. Most big companies like Capitaland Commercial Trust or First Reit have 80% and 92% of their loans on fixed in order to limit risk.
2. Valuation – most real estate discount cash flows from rentals to calculate a fair market value of the company. When interest rates increase, utilizing the DCF method for the value of the property would require a higher discount rate to be used. This in turn will lead to a fall in property prices.
3. Opportunity Costs – in an increased interest rate environment, investors will tend to shift their focus from investment properties to higher yielding products such as short term treasury bonds.

Nikko Asia REIT ETF & Phillip APAC REIT ETF
Overall, REITs are generally well prepared for interest rate hikes because companies have been restructuring their debt portfolio for the past few years and when we consider economic fears over Brexit, a delay in fed hike and other political factors, REITs are an attractive asset class to hold from a portfolio and passive investing perspective.


Nikko Asia ETF listing schedule

Differences

* Component stocks in the list vary as well
** Geographic breakdown may include different countries like China & Indonesia as certain REITs listed in their local exchange may have properties that based in other countries.

Similarities

Which is better?
In my opinion, a better question to ask would be: which ETF is suitable for you? For example, if you are currently holding onto a lot of Singapore REITS in your portfolio, it might be wiser to look for a different geographic exposure for diversification sake. The same would apply to a scenario in which you are holding onto a lot of Australia REITs or if you need a bigger exposure to industrial REITS. Some other considerations would be your investment knowledge and risk profile. All these questions will probably assist you in deciding which ETF is suitable for you. It is all about ensuring a more efficient allocation of funds.


If you wish to know more information about ETFs or any other stocks, you can speak to your designated Trading Representatives or a Dealer at a Phillip Investor Centre near you.