Research

Our research methodology integrates historical and current economic, demographic and real estate factors which enables our Research Services department to develop comprehensive market forecast scenarios.

Research Brief: Stock Market – October 2018

Rising interest rates, midterm elections spark equity market volatility. The stock market suffered its second largest single-day decline of the year on Wednesday, Oct. 10, contributing to a 4 percent weekly drop. Simultaneously, the S&P Volatility Index (VIX), a measure of how quickly equity markets are moving, rose from 15 to 24 in the past weeks, indicating a strong market sell-off. Both were precipitated by long-term interest rates rising rapidly earlier this month, carrying the 10-year… Read More

Special Report: Investor Sentiment

Commercial real estate investors coma into 2018 riding a high following approval of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act. Yet the latest NREI/Marcus & Millichap Investment Sentiment Survey shows that the bounce in positive sentiment that occurred in the wake of tax reform has now drifted back to levels in alignment with this time last year.

Special Report: Federal Reserve

Federal Reserve raised overnight interest rate, signals another hike in December. Following the conclusion of its September meeting, the Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate by 28 basis points to 2 percent. Citing persistent levels of inflation, burgeoning acceleration in wages and exceptionally low unemployment, the Fed also outlined plans for an additional rate increase in December.

Research Brief: Retail – September 2018

Soaring confidence further elevates consumption. Strong consumer spending continued in August, boosting core retail sales 5.9 percent on an annual basis and surpassing the precious four-month average of 5.8 percent. A healthy job market and steadily rising wages remain key drivers of consumer confidence, pushing it to its highest level this cycle. With optimism climbing, consumers are making more discretionary purchases, benefiting retailers of electronics and appliances as the sector recorded 4.1 percent annual growth.… Read More

Research Brief: Housing – September 2018

Monthly housing payments surged this year for homebuyers as mortgage rate increases and rising home prices lifted the cost of homeownership. The monthly payment on a median-priced home now stands $130 higher than at the beginning of the year, driven by a 70-basis-point interest rate increase. Fixed-rate mortgages now average about 4.5 percent, their highest level since 2011, and this has increased the gap between the monthly mortgage payment on a median-price home and the… Read More

Apartment Outlook – Midyear 2018

Economy gets a boost from tax reform. Economic growth surpassed 4 percent in the second quarter, lifted by strengthened consumption and business investment. The new tax law has stimulated the economy by increasing after-tax earnings and pushing consumer and business confidence to near-record levels. This combination has sparked elevated spending and accelerated job creation. Through the first half of 2018, the economy added over 1.3 million jobs, driving unemployment below 4 percent and boosting wage… Read More

Fox Business – Trade Concerns, Tax Reform & Recent Economic Trends

Fox Business’s  Maria Bartiromo and Forbes’ CEO, Steve Forbes, ask Hessam Nadji if China’s Anbang portfolio sale will impact the broader commercial property market and the factors that investors should monitor amid trade concerns, tax reform and recent economic trends.