Stocks and REITs fell this week as the US bond yields jumped. Investors were focused on the higher US government bond yields this week, after the latest Federal Reserve meeting minutes indicated that interest rates may stay higher for longer. In addition, stock markets were unnerved by the escalating property crisis in China, after property developer Evergrande filed for bankruptcy. However, the surge in US government bond yield did not translate to a higher yield on the Singapore 6-month T-bill, as the cut-off yield in the latest auction fell to 3.73%. We also saw a sell-off in Singapore REITs with higher bond yields. Following the declines, we analyse if it might be worthwhile looking at Lendlease REIT, which reported strong occupancy at its Singapore retail mails. Lastly, if you are a CapitaLand Ascott Trust holder, here's what you need to know about the preferential offering which closes on 24th August....