Japan to let REITs add data center equipment to portfolios

TOKYO -- Japanese financial authorities plan to allow real estate investment trusts to include certain data center hardware in their portfolios, aiming to bring in more funds to a growth area and give retail investors more options.

REITs can already purchase data centers. But under Japanese law, buildings and other real estate must account for at least 50% of a REIT's portfolio. The floor is set at 70% for REITs listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.