# REITs’ Inclusion in S&P U.S. Indexes Pivotal to Sector Recognition, Growth

Canonical page: https://sequoia-research.com/news/reits-inclusion-in-s-p-u-s-indexes-pivotal-to-sector-recognition-growth-efe04db9

Author: Sequoia Research
Published: 2026-10-16T22:42:51.188Z
Updated: 2026-10-16T23:17:13.823Z
Original source: [Nareit](https://www.reit.com/news/articles/reits-inclusion-in-sp-us-indexes-pivotal-to-sector-recognition-growth)
Source published: 2026-09-29T16:07:05.000Z
Type: News
Topics: REITs

Nareit examines the October 2001 decision to admit REITs to S&P's U.S. indexes. Equity Office Properties became the first REIT in the S&P 500 that month, followed by Equity Residential in December.

The article links index inclusion to a wider investor base and access to passive capital through funds and ETFs. It reports sector market capitalization rising from $147 billion at year-end 2000 to approximately $1.5 trillion, with 28 REITs now in the S&P 500. These figures provide historical context rather than a forecast of comparable future growth.

[Read the original](https://www.reit.com/news/articles/reits-inclusion-in-sp-us-indexes-pivotal-to-sector-recognition-growth)

## Research considerations

REIT news can cover acquisitions, operating results, distributions, capital raising, and liquidity. Publicly traded and nontraded structures can have different reporting and liquidity arrangements. Identify the actual vehicle before comparing an announcement with other investments.

- Which REIT or portfolio is covered, and what period does the announcement describe?
- How do the reported figures relate to debt, operating performance, distribution coverage, and liquidity?

This Sequoia Research summary was prepared with AI assistance from the credited source. It is not independent verification of the source’s claims. The original publisher retains authorship of its reporting; follow the source link for the complete article.

## About Sequoia Research

Sequoia Research, LLC is an independent real estate investment research firm providing analysis of Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs), Tenant in Common (TIC) investments, Opportunity Zone Funds, and mineral rights and royalties.

Explore our reports for property and sponsor analysis, financial assumptions, risks, and comparison scorecards. News inclusion does not imply that a report on the particular investment is available.

[Investment research library](https://sequoia-research.com/sequoia-all-1031.html)
[Brokerage research](https://sequoia-research.com/sequoia-1031-dst-broker-rankings.html)
[Coverage policy](https://sequoia-research.com/news/about)
[Research disclosures and terms](https://sequoia-research.com/terms.html)