Simon Property Group is the second-largest real estate investment trust in the United States. Its portfolio includes an interest in 230 properties: 136 traditional malls, 69 premium outlets, 14 Mills centers (a combination of a traditional mall, outlet center, and big-box retailers), 6 lifestyle centers, and 5 other retail properties. Simon's portfolio averaged $743 in sales per square foot in 2023 compared with $693 in sales per square foot over the 12 months before the pandemic. The company also owns a 21% interest in Klépierre, a European retail company with investments in shopping centers in 16 countries, and joint-venture interests in 33 premium outlets across 11 countries.

Simon Property Group Inc., based in Indianapolis, is a retail REIT that is one of the largest owners of high-end malls, outlet centers, and lifestyle destinations in North America, Asia, and Europe. In 2016, the company had expanded its profile by investing in the retail operations of several well-known retail brands, including JC Penny (with partner Brookfield) and Authentic Brands Group (with partner SPARC). The investments were reconsidered after the pandemic, once consumers began to return to outdoor retail spaces. In 2023, the company began to sell its interest in retail brands. In 1Q24, Simon sold its remaining interest in ABG brands, which included Aeropostale, Reebok, Nautica, Izod, and Forever 21. Additionally, the company has an 84% interest in the Taubman Group and a 22% interest in Klepierre, a Paris-based real estate firm. SPG also operates Simon Brand Ventures, which offers appraisals and real estate services. Simon owns or has interests in about 221 properties with 192 million square feet of leasable space. This includes 35 international properties. Joint Ventures accounted for about 60% of 2023 revenues.U.S. malls and outlets account for approximately three-fourths of NOI and international assets account for about 9%. Properties in California, Florida, and Texas account for about 43% of U.S. NOI. Recent development activity includes the construction of a lifestyle center in Atlanta and premium outlets in Tokyo, Jakarta, and South Korea. The REIT has a varied tenant base. Its largest tenants are Gap Inc., Tapestry, and Signet Jewelers, although the top tenant accounts for less than 3% of total base minimum rent. SPG is a member of the S&P 500 and has a market cap is just under $50 billion.

Stocks are at all-time highs and have logged gains at mid-year that would be acceptable for a full year. But recent sentiment among investors has been held hostage by interest-rate obsession, with peaks for stocks on days when the data suggests a cut is needed and valleys on days when rates seem destined to stay high. Indeed, the one-month charts for the major indices are roller coaster in nature. According to Mark Arbeter, Argus' Chartered Market Technician, the AAII survey is showing 39% bulls and 32% bears, while the CNN Fear & Greed Index is at 45%. Both show a neutral attitude towards stocks. That's fuel for higher stock prices according to Mark, but we need a catalyst or two to get investors off the sidelines.

Simon Property Group is the second-largest real estate investment trust in the United States. Its portfolio includes an interest in 230 properties: 136 traditional malls, 69 premium outlets, 14 Mills centers (a combination of a traditional mall, outlet center, and big-box retailers), 6 lifestyle centers, and 5 other retail properties. Simon's portfolio averaged $743 in sales per square foot in 2023 compared with $693 in sales per square foot over the 12 months before the pandemic. The company also owns a 21% interest in Klépierre, a European retail company with investments in shopping centers in 16 countries, and joint-venture interests in 33 premium outlets across 11 countries.