Global real estate amid cooling inflation and rate cuts – Steve Buller

Signs of stabilization and potential growth are sprouting in the global real estate market. As economic conditions remain resilient, certain areas within the sector look more promising than others. Joining the show today to discuss the sectors in which he is seeing demand, and the strategies he implements to enhance portfolio resilience is Fidelity Global Real Estate Fund portfolio manager Steve Buller. Steve highlights that recent interest rate reductions have positively impacted real estate performance, especially when compared to broader global equity markets. He notes a significant shift towards income-oriented and defensive real estate sectors, like data centers and industrial properties, due to consistent demand and limited new supply. Going in-depth on data centers, he explains the "land-grab" effect they are experiencing due to the explosive growth in AI and cloud computing. He also discusses the evolving office market, explaining what the trend of companies reducing their office space due to remote work could mean for the future of the sector, particularly the potential of repurposing office buildings for other uses. Steve also touches on Hong Kong's market, the healthcare real estate sector, and the complex relationship between real estate and bonds.

 

Recorded on August 26, 2024.

 

For a fourth year in a row, FidelityConnects by Fidelity Investments Canada was ranked #1 podcast by Canadian financial advisors in the 2024 Environics’ Advisor Digital Experience Study.