A strong Sponsor equates to a powerful backer, one that can propel forward fundamentally strong REITs under its charge. It is akin to quoting your gang boss’s name to rivals; if they make an impression. The advantages are aplenty. Besides injecting its own properties into the initial portfolio of the REIT, Sponsors generally enable the REIT to leverage on its strong network and pipeline of property assets by right of first refusal. In times of (financial) crisis, it becomes more apparent. Strong Sponsor-backed REITs are better poised to weather through difficult times (e.g. sourcing for credit, rights issue exercises). In short, I would be enticed to invest in REITs under a strong Sponsor like CapitaLand. Why so? CapitaLand owns and manages a well-diversified global portfolio (S$134.7 billion as at 30 June 2020) which includes commercial, retail, industrial / logistics, integrated and urban development as well as lodging and residential. While Singapore and China remains focused as its core markets,...