The widespread adoption of REITs in more than 35 countries, including the U.S., is changing real estate investment around the world. Investment firms are expanding the range of available REIT-based financial products, including mutual funds, index funds and ETFs. Additionally, major institutional investors, such as pension plans, foundations and endowments, are investing in REITs as a way to gain exposure to real estate. Target-date funds, which are capturing a growing share of the market for 401(k) plans and retirement portfolios, are also increasing their allocations to REITs.