How can broader economic events impact REITs?

Broader economic events can have a significant impact on REITs, primarily because these events influence factors such as commercial real estate demand, rental income, and occupancy rates. When the economy is growing, businesses generally have more capital to invest in property, leading to increased demand for commercial space. This heightened demand can drive up occupancy rates and rental income, which in turn positively affects the financial performance of REITs that own and manage those properties.

Conversely, during economic downturns, the opposite can occur. Companies may reduce their workforce, leading to less need for office space, or they may opt to reduce costs by downsizing or relocating. This can result in increased vacancies and lower rental income for REITs, directly affecting their profitability and stock valuations.

Therefore, option B accurately identifies the mechanisms through which broader economic events influence REITs, emphasizing the importance of economic health on real estate markets and the financial performance of REITs.