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REITs Have Gone Undefeated in July Since 2008 — Here's Why

While the Nasdaq-100 gets all the July hype, REITs have quietly posted a perfect record since 2008. That's a streak worth trading.

Everyone talks about the Nasdaq-100's July seasonality. It's a real thing — the index has a strong track record of gains in the seventh month. But there's a sector that's been doing it better, longer, and with less fanfare: REITs.

Real estate investment trusts have gone undefeated in July since 2008. That's not a hot streak. That's a dynasty. While tech grabs the headlines and the retail money, REITs have been quietly printing green Julys for over a decade and a half.

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Seasonality isn't a guarantee — nothing in markets is. But when a sector strings together that many consecutive winning months, you stop calling it a coincidence and start calling it a pattern. Traders who ignore it are leaving a well-documented edge on the table.

The setup matters here. REITs have been beaten up by the rate-hike cycle, which means valuations are still compressed relative to historical norms. If the Federal Reserve signals any dovish pivot this summer, real estate could get a double boost — seasonal tailwind plus a rate-sensitive sector catching a bid. That's a compelling combination going into July.

You don't need to go all-in. A targeted position in a broad REIT ETF or select names could let you ride a historically reliable seasonal pattern while positioning for a potential macro catalyst. The Nasdaq gets the love, but REITs might be the smarter July play. Continue reading at MarketWatch.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q.How have REITs performed in July historically?

REITs have gone undefeated in July every year since 2008, meaning they have posted gains in that month without a single losing year over that stretch.

Q.How does REIT July performance compare to the Nasdaq-100?

The Nasdaq-100 is well known for frequently rising in July, but REITs have actually done even better, maintaining a perfect winning record in July since 2008.

Q.Why is July considered a strong month for REITs?

According to MarketWatch, REITs have remained undefeated in July since 2008, suggesting a powerful seasonal pattern, though the underlying drivers behind the trend were not specified in the report.

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