Kenneth P. Riggs Jr.

Reflecting Back on 2013

By Kenneth P. Riggs Jr., Chairman & President, Real Estate Research Corp.: As we take a closer look at the dynamics of the economy, it seems that the economic climate has done little more than putter along in 2013.

Politics & CRE Sales (Déjà Vu)

By Kenneth P. Riggs Jr., Chairman & President, Real Estate Research Corp.: The failure of Congress and the administration to reach a budget agreement before Oct. 1, the possibility that the debt ceiling will not be raised before the nation is unable to pay its obligations, and the huge swings in the stock and bond markets are all too familiar.

Interest Rate Risk to Increase as Fed Weans Economy Off QE3

By Kenneth P. Riggs Jr., Chairman & President, Real Estate Research Corp.: Whether it is the leaking of the agenda for the annual Jackson Hole symposium sponsored by the Federal Reserve, or the recent opinions offered by the individual members of the Board of Governors, or even the newly released economic indicators on unemployment and inflation, all eyes and ears seem to be focused on any hint from the Fed about when tapering will begin.

The Risk of It All

By Kenneth P. Riggs Jr., Chairman & President, Real Estate Research Corp.: When the financial crisis began, most investors agreed that the economy needed the various stimulus programs initiated by the administration and the easy money policies provided by the Federal Reserve. However, a quick look at the debt clock shows us that several years later we are stuck with a $16.8 trillion national debt and a Fed balance sheet of $3.1 trillion, while job and economic growth remain tepid.

This Time Is Different (Really!)

By Kenneth P. Riggs, Jr., Chairman & President, Real Estate Research Corp.: Given March’s weak job numbers, the contraction in retail sales, and the drop in consumer sentiment, it is clear that the hopes we had for higher growth in the nation’s economy this spring are not going to pan out after all.

Is the Exuberance Irrational or Rational?

By Kenneth P. Riggs, Jr., Chairman & President, Real Estate Research Corp.: Typically, headlines such as these—“U.S. Economy Contracts in 4th Quarter,” “Eurozone Economy Dives,” and “Japan GDP Shrinks for 3rd Straight Quarter”—would cause the stock market to tumble.

Tighten Your Belts!

By Kenneth P. Riggs, Jr., Chairman & President, Real Estate Research Corp.: A new year always prompts hope for a better tomorrow and better performance from investments.

Nerves of Steel

By Kenneth P. Riggs, Jr., Chairman & President of Real Estate Research Corp.: Uncertainty is still the name of the game in the investment world, including commercial real estate, as the nation gears up for November election results, possible European bailouts and probable government stimulus from the Federal Reserve.