Home Real estate and private markets investment strategies Global Real Estate Securities (REITs)

Public equity

Global Real Estate Securities

Diversified portfolio of global listed real estate securities selected through bottom-up stock analysis favoring above average companies worldwide that are trading at average or discounted valuations.

Strategy differentiators

Active management matters

Leveraging a 360° view of real estate markets and our extensive market presence, our specialized investment approach seeks to capitalize on mispriced opportunities in global listed securities.

Established, consistent portfolio management

Listed REIT experience spans 25+ years, combined with long tenured leadership and philosophy, backed by one of the largest dedicated REIT investment teams.

Disciplined stock selection focused on quality at the right price

Rigorous, fundamental analysis identifies quality businesses we believe are undervalued.

Attractive returns

Established track record of pursuing attractive risk-adjusted excess returns through bottom-up stock selection and diversifying across a large number of medium-sized active weight positions.

Strategy facts

Manager

Principal Real Estate

Inception

1 February 2007

Index

FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed NTR Index

Targeted number of holdings

85-95

Expected turnover

< 100%

Investment vehicles

CIT, IMA, UCITS, U.S. Mutual Fund

The opportunity for investors

Increased total return potential

REITs have the potential to enhance portfolio returns with historical outperformance compared with global equities and bonds

Multiple diversification benefits

Exposure to diversified geographies and property types with low correlations to other asset classes; complementary to a private real estate allocation

Historical inflation hedge

REITs have outperformed equities during high inflation environments , with dividends from a durable and often growing income-stream tied to contractual leases and capital appreciation tied to real asset ownership

Liquidity

More liquid than direct ownership of property and provides immediate exposure to diversified real estate

Portfolio management
Principal Real Estate

Our experienced investment teams provide comprehensive, specialized, and sustainable capabilities across all four quadrants of commercial real estate—public equity, private equity, public debt, and private debt—and more recently, infrastructure investing. Whatever real estate strategy or combination of strategies you believe is right for your objectives, we can help.

Kelly Rush
Kelly D. Rush, CFA
CIO, Global Real Estate Securities
42 years of experience
Tony Kenkel
Anthony Kenkel, CFA, FRM
Senior Portfolio Manager
29 years of experience
simon hedger
Simon Hedger
Senior Portfolio Manager
48 years of experience

No information

Get the latest insights
REIT market perspectives December 2025
REITs add targeted real estate exposure that complements traditional equity and fixed-income allocations. Their unique characteristics help strengthen portfolios in shifting market environments.
November 24, 2025
Institutional ownership of single-family rentals (SFR): Investor FAQ
The White House released an Executive Order on the ownership of single-family rental (SFR) homes.
January 28, 2026
Retail’s rebound: The case for selective, institutional conviction
January 29, 2026

Footnotes

FactSet, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over 12-month time periods from 01/01/2000-12/31/2024, U.S. and global REITs outperformed respective equities when inflation (CPI Total) was above average. Not intended to represent the performance of any particular investment. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Real estate investment options are subject to some risks inherent in real estate and real estate investment trusts (REITs), such as risks associated with general and local economic conditions. Investing in REITs involves special risks, including interest rate fluctuation, credit risks, and liquidity risks, including interest conditions on real estate values and occupancy rates. International and global investing involves greater risks such as currency fluctuations, political/social instability and differing accounting standards.

Investment guidelines are subject to change.

Not all investment options are available in all jurisdictions. Certain vehicles have not been registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and may not be directly or indirectly offered or sold in the United States or to any United States person.

FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed NTR Index is designed to represent general trends in eligible real estate equities worldwide. Net Total Return (NTR/NR) includes dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes.

Principal Real Estate is a trade name of Principal Real Estate Investors, LLC, an affiliate of Principal Global Investors.