D.C. Stribling
Economy Watch: Consumer Sentiment Hits 14-Year High
Despite some uncertainty about the impact of proposed trade tariffs, U.S. consumers were more optimistic in March, according to the University of Michigan’s latest report.
The New Age of Hotel Amenities
In this age of potential disruptors, the hotel industry is using its current prosperity to experiment with amenities that attract Millennials.
Economy Watch: GDP Grew Faster Than Previously Reported in 4Q
The Bureau of Economic Analysis’ final estimate for fourth-quarter 2017 GDP came in at an annualized rate of 2.9 percent, reflecting stable economic growth.
Economy Watch: Chinese Investment in US CRE Plunges
Following the Chinese government’s announced restrictions on outbound capital flow, the country’s investments in U.S. commercial real estate dropped significantly in 2017, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s 2017 China-U.S. Inbound Investment Capital Watch report.
Economy Watch: Chicago Fed National Activity Index Swings Upward
All categories of indicators that make up the index increased from January to February, pointing to above-average growth for the month, the Chicago Fed reported.
Economy Watch: NABE Forecasts Strong Economic Growth in 2018-2019
Economic growth in 2018 is expected to be stronger than the 2.3 percent annual GDP growth rate in 2017, according to the latest NABE Outlook.
Economy Watch: The Most Innovative States of 2018
States that come out on top of the list also tend to have hot office markets in some of their metros, fueled by demand from tech and other innovation-oriented firms, a WalletHub study reported.
Economy Watch: Architecture Billings Growth Modest in February
The news from the AIA comes as the Federal Open Market Committee raised interest rates, effectively increasing the cost of money.
Economy Watch: A Quarter of US Adults Online Constantly
In a trend bound to impact office and retail use, 77 percent of Americans go online on a daily basis, according to Pew Research.
Economy Watch: Major Retailers Urge No New Tariffs on Chinese Goods
Twenty-four large U.S. retail brands sent an open letter to President Trump, citing their concern about the negative impact of further tariffs on imported goods.