This issue’s cover story features six of this industry’s leading executives discussing the state of the economy and impact of interest rates. This insightful “Views from the Top” is an excerpt of the roundtable discussion held during NAREIT’s Institutional Investor Forum in June.

Not surprisingly, the executives touched on numerous subjects–too many to include in one magazine feature. To view an expanded version of the dis cussion, visit Portfolio online at its new address, www.real estateportfolio.com. While online, you will be able to view Web-only content, follow the standings in the Portfolio Stock Challenge and read back issues.

Also in this issue is an interview with the man behind the curtain of the S&P 500, David Blitzer. In addition to his overview of the capital markets, Blitzer shares his views on the inclusion of REITs in the S&P indices and whether real estate stocks are accurately represented.

Good Governance

Corporate governance is no longer an issue to be taken lightly. With increased SEC and NYSE regulations and companies like Institutional Shareholder Services providing investors with governance scorecards of public companies, a company’s governance policies are under the microscope. In this issue, Portfolio looks at corporate governance from several vantage points.

“Improving Corporate Governance” details the results of a survey conducted of real estate executives to gauge their attitudes toward several key issues relating to board practices. Within the same article are discussions with institutional investors and industry analysts to see if they echo the findings of the executive survey.

“Independent Voices” features four independent REIT board directors discussing the challenges they have faced, the changing role of public board members and what they offer the REITs they serve.

Matthew Bechard
Editor-in-Chief