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What to buy as the Fed saves the day

Goola Warden
Goola Warden • 5 min read
What to buy as the Fed saves the day
Developers and REITs with the highest gearing and the lowest fixed rate debt could benefit the most, analysts say
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The local market already rallied in anticipation of a rate cut by the US Federal Reserve. At the Federal Market Open Committee meeting on Sept 18, the Fed announced a cut that shaves 50 basis points (bps) off the federal funds rate of 5.25%—5.5%. The 10-year US Treasury yield ended at 3.62% on Sept 18, after falling to a low of 3.59%.

Who benefits? Top of mind is City Developments (CDL), a highly leveraged developer with a low hedge rate. As at June 30, its fixed rate of debt was just 40%, its gearing ratio was 116% and its average debt to maturity was 2.2 years. CDL has gained 9% since early August. What appeared negative during its results briefings for FY2023 and 1HFY2024 is now a tailwind.  

What else is likely to sail with CDL? (see our big REIT table here) S-REITs with low fixed rates are Far East Hospitality Trust Q5T with 36%, CDL Hospitality Trusts J85 (52%) and Suntec REIT (54%). The big-cap, blue-chip S-REITs have led the rally, which started in earnest from Aug 8. Since then, the FTSE ST All-Share REIT Index is up 10%. From the 2024 low in April, the index is up more than 12%. 

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