Equity REITs and other publicly traded real estate companies were officially elevated to a new Real Estate Sector in the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS), after the close of trading Sept. 16.
S&P Dow Jones Indices implemented the changes to coincide with their annual rebalance.
Equity REITs and other publicly traded real estate companies were moved out from the Financials Sector and into a standalone 11th sector. Mortgage REITs remain in the Financials Sector.