Dees Stribling
Economy Watch: Consumers, Investors More Optimistic Than in Years
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index and State Street Confidence Index improved in March, which bodes well for the continued expansion of the economy and demand for real estate.
Economy Watch: Construction Employment Growth Still Healthy
Thirty nine states added construction jobs in February, indicating demand for commercial and residential real estate is still strong.
Economy Watch: Boston Fed President Warns of Overheated CRE Market
While financial institutions have largely recovered since the Great Recession, Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren warned about the danger of being too confident.
Economy Watch: Global Investors Still Prefer North American CRE
While global investors still prefer the office sector best, multifamily and industrial are close seconds, according to CBRE’s 2017 Global Investor Intentions Survey.
Economy Watch: Architecture Firms Enjoyed Stronger Billings in February
New design contracts had their largest monthly gain in February in more than two years, the AIA recently reported.
Economy Watch: More Than One-Third of Millennials Live with Parents
Less household formation among Millennials could have a ripple effect on certain real estate segments, particularly multifamily and retail, according to a recent Abodo report.
Economy Watch: US Real Estate Billionaires Mostly Include Familiar Faces
Irvine Co. Chairman Donald Bren came in at No. 66 on Forbes’ 2017 list of billionaires.
Economy Watch: Consumers Still Mostly Optimistic About the Economy
Consumer sentiment about current economic conditions reached its highest level since 2000, according to the University of Michigan’s latest survey, which bodes well for the health of the retail sector.
Economy Watch: Interest Rates Rise, So Does Inflation
Unsurprisingly, the Federal Open Market Committee decided to raise interest rates again in March, signaling its optimism about the direction of the U.S. economy.
Economy Watch: Retail Sales Edge Up in February
Electronics and appliance retailers took the biggest hit in February, as seen by the recent bankruptcy of electronics retailer HH Gregg.