GLOBAL - FTSE Group has rebranded the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global Indices to combine developed and emerging subsets.
According to FTSE, the structure of the new Indices is designed to make it easier for investors to measure listed real estate performance across all major geographies, country specifications and property types.
"Globalisation of REITs and public real estate will continue to grow, driven by the fact that investors worldwide are seeking diversification; but diversification can only be achieved when coverage includes both geographic and property type exposure," said Ronnee Ades, head of alternatives for FTSE.
The move follows the expansion of the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global Real Estate Index Series in December 2008 to include emerging markets, in response to growing demand from investors wanting to invest in developing markets.
"The global real estate marketplace has grown significantly in both size and diversity over the past few years. At the same time, investors are increasingly expressing interest in accessing emerging markets," continued Ades.
Real estate remains one of the top four primary core assets for institutional investors and represents almost 50% of global wealth, according to FTSE.
FTSE has added its Global Index, Global ex US Index, Americas Index, Asia Pacific Index, EMEA Index, Europe Index, Middle East and Africa Index and Developed EMEA Index to the new FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global Real Estate Index Series, launched today.
FTSE's Global EPRA/NAREIT real estate indices measure the capital return and total returns of companies and currently cover over 70 companies in 13 countries worldwide.
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