Economy/Ecommerce
Economy Watch: Why the Restaurant Industry Continues to Expand
The restaurant industry continued its expansion in January, according to the National Restaurant Association, which—if the trend continues—counts as a good indicator for the absorption of restaurant space and the construction of new locations.
Economy Watch: The Rise of Construction Costs
It’s been a long time since inflation, at least as measured by the broad Consumer Price Index, has been more than a whimper, but by contrast construction costs are rising at a stiffer pace.
Economy Watch: Is Terrorism Affecting CRE?
A look at what’s currently worrying CRE executives.
‘Economy Watch’ Podcast with Dees Stribling: What’s Next for Interest Rates?
What’s next for interest rates? Maybe more of the same for a while longer.
Economy Watch: Is the Housing Market Faltering, or Just a Little Slow?
The latest few S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indexes point to an odd phenomenon: even though the economy as a whole is finally getting stronger, housing is looking softer.
Economy Watch: Jobs Are Growing, But Housing Isn’t. Here’s Why
The Chicago Fed reported on Monday that its National Activity Index was back in the positive in January.
Economy Watch: Fannie Mae Predicting Softer Multifamily Markets
Fannie Mae is mostly optimistic about the state of the multifamily industry in 2015 and beyond, but it doesn’t foresee quite the same kind of boom as in the last few years.
Economy Watch: Architecture Billings Drop Worrisome for CRE
The American Institute of Architects reported its latest Architecture Billings Index this week, noting that the index dropped below 50 for the first time in a good many months.
Economy Watch: Are Mortgage Credit Conditions Getting Better?
The Federal Open Market Committee talks about interest rates and mortgage credit conditions.
Economy Watch: How to Put Homebuilding Back on Track
Homebuilders aren’t pessimistic these days, but they aren’t overly optimistic about the state of their business either.