Sometimes I think our world moves too fast. The nature of our lives is often such that we propel from one event to the next without having the time to see how they are connected or ponder the bigger picture. Look at the news. The big story gets covered past the point of saturation and then it's on to the next hot topic. But often the most compelling aspect of a news story is what happens next, after the cameras are gone and the celebrity telethons are done.

The devastation from last year's hurricanes in the Gulf Coast captured the nation's attention. We watched in horror as the storms hit and followed the aftermath. For some, the lasting images of the region will be residents trapped on rooftops surrounded by rising, muddy water. However, even before the water had fully receded the media and nation's focus began shifting to other areas. But the story didn't end there.

Throughout the Gulf Coast, once the storms passed and the damage was assessed a sense of determination to rebuild what had been lost took hold. In this issue, "Opportunity & Optimism" talks with some of the leading policy-makers and property owners who are working to return the region to what it once was.

Some positive initial steps have been taken, including the first mall reopening, the return of professional sports and an emotional Mardi Gras celebration. Tourists and residents alike are increasingly returning to New Orleans and the surrounding area. Of course, immense challenges still exist and there is more work that needs to be done. However, hopefully all of the hard work put into the recovery of this region will again capture the nation's attention.

Also in This Issue

This issue's cover story recognizes an important industry milestone. By the end of last year, the total dollar volume of outstanding real estate debt and equity securities surged past $1 trillion. The specific dollar amount is less important than what it signifies: that securitized real estate has become a stable, less volatile and more liquid way for a greater number of investors to access the real estate markets.

One popular way investors access the listed REIT market is through one of a number of real estate mutual funds or a handful of real estate index funds. "Indexes" explores the attributes of index investing versus active management when it comes to the real estate market.

Regardless of how an investor accesses the REIT market, one of the primary benefits they are seeking are the strong and stable dividends "…Still Blooming" shows how REITs continue to be a logical choice for income-seeking investors.

Matthew Bechard
Editor-in-Chief