Editor’s Note

Recently, two columnists in the same issue of our capital markets newsletter addressed current events, each taking a different perspective. One acknowledged the current spate of bad news around the world but took a positive view of the U.S. economy; the other termed optimism about U.S. economic performance misguided.

Investors and developers are always looking for the next big opportunity, and these days there are plenty of them. What’s more, there are quite a number that so far appear to have strong growth prospects.

Technology leaves few industries and corners of the economy untouched today. As its tools become ever more powerful and sophisticated, the Digital Age is reshaping how we live, work and play, often in subtle ways. For that reason, change is happening everywhere, regardless of market size or business mix. In business, the effects of technological change are multifaceted. Automation can make things simpler—or more precise. It can reduce the manpower needed—or increase the level of skill required. It is eliminating some business specialties while giving rise to new ones. And it is impacting the buildings in which we operate, often…

Energy has become a paramount priority for commercial real estate owners and operators.

U.S. healthcare has repeatedly been compared to what’s offered in other countries, as politicians, insurance executives, medical professionals and a variety of other players consider new alternatives.

While retail development is proliferating around the world, according to a CBRE Global research study, there has been little need to add to the U.S. retail stock.

The fact that the number of companies with chief sustainability officers continues to increase on our ranking of greenest companies makes a real statement about the direction the real estate industry is taking. Rising from 12 out of 25 two years ago to 14 last year to more than 20 out of 27 this year—nearly the entire list—the prevalence of this management-level position illustrates the emphasis companies are placing on sustainability in their strategies. Many of the companies on this year’s list are repeat performers—leaders in the green movement—but the trend nonetheless reflects the steadily advancing efforts across the industry…

Internet purchases make up only about 9 percent of all retail sales, but their impact far outstrips that deceptively modest share. The rapid growth of online shopping is creating a palpable demand for specialized delivery streams, which are expanding steadily as retailers experiment with the best ways to serve their customers. Meanwhile, Amazon is unrelentingly tightening delivery windows, further challenging retailers and their fulfillment providers to devise dependable yet cost-effective solutions to compete. The complexities of e-commerce fulfillment are requiring developers to raise their games, as well. Supplying conventional bulk warehouses entails no shortage of know-how, but the sheer numbers…

At press time, Congress had just approved a $1.1 trillion spending bill funding the federal government until September. A follow-on to the two-year budget accord achieved in December, it marked progress after three years of partisan infighting that hit a nadir last October with the first shutdown of the federal government in 17 years. Besides wasting precious time, energy and good will, the bickering has done nothing to address the fundamental challenges: a shortage of capital and the responsibility to allocate those resources wisely. While Congress has been fighting over spending priorities, local governments continue to grapple with shortfalls that…

This new year brings promise of further economic improvement, but as I noted last month, it brings ample challenges, as well. Improving occupancy, more widely available financing and renewed development all offer cause for optimism, yet we also face re-emergence of the national debt default threat and a likely rise in interest rates. Federal government decisions may be out of your control, but your decisions can make a difference to your company, your community and the industry at large. So as you determine your strategy for 2014, I invite you to consider some resolutions that may provide food for thought:…