If I have 30k that I wish to invest in Singapore REITs, should I buy into Lion Phillip's REITs ETF or into Syfe REITs+?

REITS are forming more of the STI index along the years! If you'd like to get invested into Singapore REITS, consider investing via SYFE REIT+. It tracks iEdge S-REIT Leaders index which captures the top reits based on adjusted free float market cap.

Within SYFE REIT+ there are 2 portfolios: 100% REITS and REITS with RISK MANAGEMENT PORTFOLIO.

The RISK MANAGEMENT PORTFOLIO uses SYFE's Automated risk-managed investment strategy (ARI) to allocate between bonds and reits. The bonds allocation are via ABF Singapore Bond ETF.

Currently, the allocation for SYFE REIT+ with risk management portfolio has allocations of about 50% REITS and 50% Bonds. Also covered is how In 2nd mar2020, allocations for REIT were reduced from 77% to 50% because of ARI.

Currently top holdings for SYFE REIT+ is CICT where previously it was ascendas REIT portfolio. For the 100% REIT portfolio, we've compared it with Lion-Phillip S-REIT ETF.

You can check out further in-depth analysis here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afJyEwFoFfk&t=2...

Fees

Syfe REIT+

For your investment amount, you'll only be paying management fees of 0.5% p.a since Syfe invests directly in the REITs.

Lion Phillip REIT ETF

The expense ratio for this ETF is 0.6% p.a. You'll also incur commission cost from buying the ETF. Other costs possibly include custody fees if you are purchasing from a custodian account.

In terms of fees, Syfe REIT+ is a better option.

Other Factors

There are also other factors to take into account when deciding between the two.

1) Ability to re-invest dividends

• Since Syfe allows fractional shares, you are able to re-invest your dividends at no cost. On the other hand, if you want to re-invest your dividends from Lion Philip's REIT ETF, you'll incur additional brokerage costs.

2) Security of your assets

• While Syfe has security measures in place, your funds are still co-mingled with others (if I'm not wrong). On the other hand, if you buy the REIT ETF directly through a brokerage (either CDP or Custodian), the account is legally under your own name. If this is a concern for you, then perhaps you might feel more assured with investing in Lion Philip's REIT ETF.

Hope this helps!​​​