As bonds failed to provide protection in 2022, investors have turned to liquid alternatives, which offer exposure to asset classes or investment strategies that are considered alternative to traditional assets with similar liquidity profiles. Examples include hedge funds, commodities, and REITs.
The impact of COVID-19 has been drastic at many real estate investment trusts. Rents are not being paid in offices, malls, and other commercial real estate properties across the country. Many REITs have reduced or eliminated their dividends as cash flow began disappearing when the economy began to shut down to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The COVID-19 pandemic could mean the end of the line for many malls around the United States. Green Street Advisors, one of the best real estate and REIT research and investment firms in the country, says that more than half of all the department store anchored malls could be closed by the end of 2021. More than 60% of the anchor tenant space in these malls will likely empty by then as well.
Last year activist investor Bow Street won 4 seats on the Board of Mack- Cali (NYSE: CLI). This REIT invests in office and multifamily projects in the Northeastern United States.
Last week, Mack-Cali decided not to re-nominate those board members for a new term.
In their statement announcing the decision, Mack-Cali officials said the four had worked to blatantly promote Bow Street’s self-interest. The firm accused the activist firm of wanting to force a fire sale of the company as a whole or the assets one by one. Mack-Cali said selling would not be in the best interest of shareholders.
The SPDR Dow Jones REIT ETF (IRE) has fallen by 38% in the past month as concerns about quarantines and lockdowns emptying offices, hotels, shopping centers, and other commercial real estate properties. Dire predictions about changes in work habits and a deep economic slowdown destroying the industry are everywhere on the internet and media.