Abstract

In this study the characteristics of REITs in Korea were investigated. REITs has been introduced and managed for almost 15 years in Korea. The research results show that K-REITs has higher return and lower risk structure than KOSPI, and higher return and higher risk than bond. These results indicate that we can attain portfolio effects by including REITs in an investment set. Regarding the correlation between return of K-REITs and that of stock and bond is smaller than that of the case of the U. S., which means there is possibility to attain more portfolio effects in Korea than the U. S. using REITs. Also the systematic risk of K-REITs is near zero. And alike from that of U. S., the asymmetric risk and return structure according to the market condition of K-REITs is not found. So if an investor analyzes the volatility of real estate market and the unique characteristics of REITs exquisitely and includes the REITs in his/her portfolio accordingly, he/she can achieve reduced risk and improve portfolio effects. In short, K-REITs can be very useful to diversify the investment and attain portfolio effects in the financial market.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.