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U.S. equity markets fell for a fourth straight week, while interest rates jumped to eight-month highs, as continued turmoil in the Middle East rattled financial markets and revived inflation concerns. The third week of the Iran conflict settled into an uneasy equilibrium between escalation and de-escalation amid a continued standstill in the Strait of Hormuz, the key global energy chokepoint. The Federal Reserve - long bemoaning tariff-related inflation that failed to materialize - did little to calm markets, delivering a “hawkish hold” that pushed traders to price in rate hikes by year-end.

U.S. equities slid to four-month lows as the escalating Iran war rattled markets, sending oil to three-year highs and interest rates higher amid tanker attacks, shipping disruptions, and intensifying strikes. Brent Crude jumped above $100 as attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and tanker explosions threatened global oil flows, fueling inflation fears and keeping investors on edge. The White House deployed emergency supply measures—including Russian crude purchases and potential strategic reserve releases—but markets remain skeptical they can offset disruptions to global energy flows.

CubeSmart remains a Buy, offering a 5.55% yield and attractive valuation amid recent macro pressures and a weak Q4 report. CUBE's solid balance sheet, manageable debt maturities, and strong AFFO support resilience despite rising refinancing costs. Supply headwinds are easing, with only 19% of same stores facing new supply impact in 2026—the lowest since 2017.

U.S. equities posted their worst week since October as a historic surge in oil prices fueled by the escalating Iran conflict rattled investor sentiment and revived inflation fears. While the U.S. continued to dominate the military balance over the past week, what remains of the Iranian regime is increasingly wounded and unpredictable, sowing chaos in global energy markets. Oil prices surged to the highest level since 2024 on concerns over long-term disruptions to the Hormuz Strait - the critical energy chokepoint that handles one-fifth of global oil trade.

REITs have struggled recently, but long term, they have outperformed. Returns are driven by cash flow and growth, as seen with Essential Properties Realty Trust. Today's low valuations may be the real opportunity.

US equity markets posted positive returns once again in Q4, although the small and large portions of the market were stronger performers, returning 2.19% and 2.41%, respectively. Recently, we have found stocks with a little less debt and less cyclicality more appealing. We exited our position in Civitas Resources, Lear Corp., Check Point Software Technologies and Marzetti.

REITs currently offer compelling value, with average yields near 3.71% and attractive relative valuations versus the S&P 500. VNQ is positioned for a technical rebound, with potential upside of nearly 40% from current levels, supported by sector recovery expectations. This article presents a curated list of 17 high-yield REITs (≥5% yield) with strong dividend safety grades, highlighting opportunities for income investors seeking yields above treasuries.