Economy Watch

Economy Watch: Architects Report a Good Month in May
The American Institute of Architects' Architecture Billings Index posted its fourth consecutive month of growth, suggesting that both the architecture and construction sectors will remain healthy for the foreseeable future.
News
Economy Watch: China Named Top Buyer, Seller of US CRE
One-fifth of realtors that participated in the National Association of Realtors latest survey on foreign investment in U.S. commercial real estate said they had closed a sale with an international client in 2016. They also expect increased sales and leasing activity involving foreign investors this year.
News
Economy Watch: Fed Sure of Economy, Raises Rates, Promises Asset Sell-Off
The Federal Reserve unanimously decided to raise rates for the second time in 2017, signaling its belief that the U.S. economy is strong enough to handle more expensive financing.
News

  • Economy Watch: Demand For Skilled Nursing Facilities Edges Up in Q1

    The percentage of Medicare patients among the overall mix of patients is also increasing, according to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, reflecting the growing important of Medicare within the skilled nursing sector.

    Senior Housing 20 June 2017 14:18

  • Economy Watch: Retail Sales Dip in May

    By Dees Stribling Image courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons user southareapictures. U.S. retail and food service sales dropped 0.3 percent in May compared with April, the Census Bureau reported on Wednesday. That’s the weakest monthly report for retail sales in more than a year and a half. Compared with the same month

    Economy Watch 14 June 2017 15:55

  • Economy Watch: Closings Loom for Fashion Retailer

    More than 250 stores will close by 2019 and another 400 closings could follow unless landlords grant rent relief, says the owner of such fashion brands as Ann Taylor, Dressbarn and Maurices.

    News 13 June 2017 15:17

  • Economy Watch: Washington State Has Healthiest Economy

    A recent WalletHub report ranked the 50 states based on economic health, which affects commercial property growth. Washington state took the top spot, followed by California, Utah and Massachusetts.

    News 12 June 2017 13:52

  • Economy Watch: Americans Generally Optimistic About Economy

    A new Pew Research Center report reveals that nearly six in 10 Americans believe the current economic situation is good, given that the U.S. economy has experienced 80 months of consistent job growth. However, the same participants weren't as optimistic about future prospects.

    News 08 June 2017 13:52

  • Economy Watch: Rents Volatile in Many Markets in May

    While nationwide apartment rents are still on the rise, several markets have recently faced spikes in rent, according to a recent ABODO report. Rent decreases going into June, on the other hand, were on the smaller side.

    News 07 June 2017 13:46

  • Economy Watch: Fitch Report Optimistic About CRE

    In its first annual U.S. Equity REITs Handbook, Fitch expects continued positive property-level fundamentals across most asset classes in 2017. Multifamily should again lead the REIT sector, although same-store net operating income growth will be less than 2016 levels, according to the report.

    News 06 June 2017 13:39

  • Economy Watch: Banks Tighten CRE Lending in Q1

    Banks cited a less favorable or more uncertain outlook for CRE property prices, vacancy rates or other fundamentals, as well as reduced risk tolerance as important reasons for tightening CRE credit policies in the first few months of 2017, according to the Federal Reserve's latest Senior Loan Office Opinion Survey.

    News 11 May 2017 14:13

  • Economy Watch: Multifamily Markets Softening

    All four indexes of the NMHC's quarterly survey were below the breakeven level of 50, indicating that U.S. apartment market conditions are softening despite continued strong demand. New supply is finally catching up, and there seems to be more caution among buyers and lenders, noted NMHC Chief Economist Mark Obrinsky.

    News 21 April 2017 13:56

  • Economy Watch: Demand for Student Housing Stays Strong

    Favorable demographic trends and an increase in the number of students pursing post-graduate degrees are spurring investor interest and demand for student housing product, according to a recent report from TH Real Estate.

    Student Housing 30 March 2017 13:40

  • Economy Watch: More Than One-Third of Millennials Live with Parents

    A combination of high rents, lower wages and student debt are having a negative impact on household formation among Millennials, according to a recent Abodo report.

    News 22 March 2017 12:59

  • Economy Watch: CRE Investors to Keep Up Buying in ’17

    Investor appetite for non-core assets increased significantly in 2017, with industrial replacing multifamily as the most attractive asset type, according to CBRE's recent investor intentions survey.

    News 14 March 2017 13:38

  • Economy Watch: Apartment Markets Slowing Down

    All four indexes in the NMHC's quarterly survey released this month were below the break-even level of 50, indicating weaker conditions in the multifamily industry.

    News 24 January 2017 14:55

  • Economy Watch: Retail Sales Surge in December

    Total retail sales for the month were up 4.3 percent from the same time last year, the U.S. Census Bureau reported.

    News 13 January 2017 14:31

  • Economy Watch: Report Details Sino-American Economic Ties

    A recent USCBC noted that the U.S.-China trade relationship supports about 2.6 million U.S. jobs across a range of industries.

    News 11 January 2017 14:08