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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Howard Marks: Distressed Debt, Real Estate Could Provide Good Returns

Howard Marks: Distressed Debt and Real Estate Investment Outlook

(Source: ValueWalk, December 17, 2013)

Howard Marks, Chairman of Oaktree Capital Group, shared his views at the 2013 Goldman Sachs Financial Conference regarding the U.S. Federal Reserve’s tapering policy. He argued that markets had already priced in much of the tapering effect, so the actual implementation might not cause a sharp rise in yields.

Marks noted that the current economic recovery is weaker than past cycles, with moderate inflation. He estimated that the 10-year Treasury yield would remain between 3% and 4%, regardless of tapering.

Institutional investors such as U.S. pension funds and endowments typically target returns of 7.5–8%. However, with Treasuries yielding 1–3%, investment-grade bonds around 4%, and equities at 6–7%, investors are increasingly turning to alternatives. Marks highlighted that hedge funds have struggled to deliver such returns, while private equity and private real estate can generate 12–14% with higher variability. Credit-based alternatives, he explained, can provide around 10% net returns with lower volatility.

Although distressed debt opportunities are less attractive than during the financial crisis, Marks pointed out that niches remain in sectors such as shipping, power, and non-prime European real estate.

Real estate, being cyclical, also presents opportunities. Oaktree recently raised capital for a fund investing in both real estate assets and debt, targeting returns of 15–20%. In addition, the firm sees potential in non-prime city real estate debt, aiming for 10–12% returns with lower leverage.

In conclusion, Marks emphasized that distressed debt and real estate remain meaningful alternative investment opportunities for investors seeking higher returns.

Howard Marks: 부실채권과 부동산 투자 전망

(출처: ValueWalk, 2013년 12월 17일)

오크트리 캐피탈 그룹(Oaktree Capital Group)의 회장 Howard Marks는 2013년 골드만삭스 금융 컨퍼런스에서 미국 연준의 테이퍼링(양적완화 축소)에 대해 의견을 밝혔습니다. 그는 이미 시장이 테이퍼링의 영향을 상당 부분 반영했기 때문에 실제 시행 시 금리 급등은 제한적일 것이라고 전망했습니다.

Marks는 현재 경제 회복세가 과거보다 약하고 인플레이션도 완만하다고 지적했습니다. 따라서 10년물 국채 금리는 테이퍼링 여부와 관계없이 3~4% 수준일 것으로 내다봤습니다.

또한 미국 연기금과 대학 기금 같은 기관 투자자들은 7.5~8% 수익률을 목표로 하지만, 국채(1~3%), 우량채(4%), 주식(6~7%)만으로는 이를 달성하기 어렵다고 설명했습니다. 이에 따라 투자자들은 헤지펀드, 사모펀드, 부동산 등 대체투자에 관심을 높이고 있으며, 특히 신용 기반 대체투자는 약 10%의 안정적인 수익을 기대할 수 있다고 강조했습니다.

부실채권 시장은 금융위기 당시만큼 매력적이지는 않지만, 유럽의 해운, 전력, 비우량 부동산 분야에서 기회가 존재한다고 언급했습니다. 또한 부동산은 경기순환적 특성을 지니며, 오크트리는 부동산 자산과 부채에 투자하는 펀드를 조성해 15~20% 수익률을 목표로 하고 있습니다. 특히 비우량 도시의 부동산 부채 투자에서 10~12% 수익률을 기대한다고 밝혔습니다.

결론적으로 Marks는 부실채권과 부동산이 향후 투자자들에게 의미 있는 대체투자 기회를 제공할 수 있다고 강조했습니다.

CRE Recovery to Accelerate in 2014 (by JLL)

Commercial Real Estate Recovery to Accelerate in 2014
Hello. I will provide a clean and straightforward summary of the report outlining the 2014 commercial real estate market trends.
The core message of this report is that the commercial real estate recovery is gaining significant momentum. Global investment volumes are expected to show a solid 10 percent growth next year. While the leasing market has been somewhat cautious compared to the investment boom, this imbalance is smoothly narrowing, with the United States market leading the way.
Moving past a stagnant 2013, the leasing market is looking forward to a pleasant growth of 5 to 10 percent in 2014. The flow of the United States office market is exceptionally good. As demand expands beyond the tech and energy sectors into various fields, and new supply continues to shrink, prime downtown areas are creating highly favorable conditions for landlords.
The influence of the Millennial generation is also worth noticing. Their strong preference for urban environments with convenient transportation and abundant entertainment is reshaping the real estate landscape. Naturally, because companies are utilizing office spaces much more efficiently than before, the overall speed of space expansion might feel rather steady and calm.
Nevertheless, office rents are steadily projected to rise by about 5.5 percent. The report summarizes that as job numbers grow and the housing market revives, the commercial real estate market will continue to enjoy a diverse and stable recovery.
Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20131217-906487.html
안녕하세요. 2014년 상업용 부동산 시장의 흐름을 읽어주는 Jones Lang LaSalle(JLL)의 보고서가 나왔습니다.
이 보고서의 핵심은 상업용 부동산 시장의 회복에 한층 속도가 붙는다는 것입니다. 내년 글로벌 투자 규모가 10퍼센트가량 튼튼하게 성장할 것으로 내다보고 있습니다. 그동안 투자 열기에 비해 임대 시장이 다소 조심스러운 모습을 보였지만 미국 시장을 선두로 이러한 불균형이 매끄럽게 줄어들고 있습니다.
임대 시장의 경우 정체되었던 2013년을 지나 2014년에는 5에서 10퍼센트 수준의 기분 좋은 성장을 맞이할 것으로 기대합니다. 특히 미국 오피스 시장의 흐름이 매우 좋습니다. 기술과 에너지 산업에 국한되었던 수요가 다양한 분야로 넓어지고 신규 공급마저 줄어들면서 주요 도심 지역은 임대인에게 매우 유리한 환경이 만들어지고 있습니다.
밀레니얼 세대의 영향력도 눈여겨볼 만합니다. 교통이 편리하고 즐길 거리가 많은 도심형 환경을 선호하는 이들의 성향이 부동산 시장의 지형을 새롭게 바꾸고 있습니다. 물론 기업들이 사무 공간을 과거보다 훨씬 효율적으로 사용하고 있어 전체적인 임대 면적 증가 속도는 차분하게 느껴질 수 있습니다.
하지만 오피스 임대료는 5점5퍼센트가량 꾸준히 오를 것으로 전망합니다. 전반적으로 일자리가 늘어나고 주택 시장이 살아나면서 상업용 부동산 시장 역시 다양하고 안정적인 회복세를 이어갈 것이라고 보고 있습니다.
원문 출처: http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20131217-906487.html

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Steady growth predicted for the global office market in 2014

http://www.propertywire.com/news/global-news/global-office-predictions-2014-201312178577.html

Steady growth predicted for the global office market in 2014
Tuesday, 17 December 2013

The global office market is poised for slow steady growth in 2014, while 2015 should be more robust as recovery takes hold and business gains renewed confidence, according to a new report.

A new Global Credit Perspectives

A new Global Credit Perspectives by Mark Kiesel is available on pimco.com .

Key Points:

· An improving outlook for U.S. housing will be constructive for consumer spending, confidence and jobs.

· There are many ways to invest directly and indirectly in companies that should benefit from higher housing prices, a pickup in home repairs and remodeling, and residential investment spending.

· We continue to favor select investments in homebuilders, building materials, appliance manufacturers, lumber, home improvement, banks, title insurance, mortgage origination and servicing, and non-Agency mortgage-backed securities.

Looking to play the rental market? Blackstone wants you

http://www.cnbc.com/id/101276543

Looking to play the rental market? Blackstone wants you

Published: Monday, 16 Dec 2013 | 3:23 PM ET
By: Diana Olick | CNBC Real Estate Reporter

It is yet another step in the evolution of the single-family rental market: a new lending platform by one of the biggest names in the trade, Blackstone Group. After investing close to $7 billion in rental properties through its Invitation Homes unit, Blackstone is offering cash to smaller investors wanting to get into the game. The firm is in the closing process on the first deals.

AEO2014 EARLY RELEASE OVERVIEW

http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/aeo/er/index.cfm

Release Date: December 16, 2013 | Full Report Release Date: Early Spring 2014 | CORRECTION | Report Number: DOE/EIA-0383ER(2014)

This release is an abridged version of the Annual Energy Outlook that highlights changes in the AEO Reference case projections for key energy topics. The Early Release includes data tables for the Reference case only. The AEO2014 full version will be released early Spring 2014.
Download the AEO2014 Early Release Report


Friday, December 13, 2013

London office market: Good prospects from 2014

http://www.property-magazine.eu/london-office-market-good-prospects-from-2014-23396.html

UK
13. Dezember 2012
London office market: Good prospects from 2014

In its latest research paper, Henderson’s c. £12.4 billion Property business, examines prospects for the Central London office market. The report notes that City Fringe, West End and Midtown sub-markets have benefitted from strong take up by technology, media and telecommunications firms during an otherwise difficult year for the domestic economy. Core City take up has been dominated by lettings from the insurance sector with very subdued activity from banking. Underlying City take-up has been relatively stable over the last 12 months or so, at around 75% of the long run average. This sub-par level of activity is expected to persist while low confidence and volatility persists in the markets.

Another Office Tower Trades Hands in San Francisco as Local Market Soars

http://www.multihousingnews.com/cities/san-francisco/another-office-tower-trades-hands-in-san-francisco-as-local-market-soars/1004094912.html

Dec. 13, 2013

Another Office Tower Trades Hands in San Francisco as Local Market Soars
By Alex Girda, Associate Editor

As the San Francisco office market becomes one of the healthiest local markets in the entire country, the rush is on for investors to capitalize on the impressive appeal of the San Francisco Bay Area before 2013 draws to a close. We’ve recently reported on the major deals completed in the city for high-profile office assets, and now KBS Real Estate Investment Trust III is adding to an already impressive tally of major real estate transactions completed just weeks before the end of Q4. The public non-traded REIT recently shelled out $121 million for an office building in the city’s South Financial District.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Re/Max forecasts ‘exceptionally healthy’ real estate market in 2014

http://business.financialpost.com/2013/12/11/remax-forecasts-exceptionally-healthy-real-estate-market-in-2014/

Re/Max forecasts ‘exceptionally healthy’ real estate market in 2014

Canadian Press | December 11, 2013 7:40 AM ET
More from Canadian Press

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Canada can expect an “exceptionally healthy” housing market in 2014 thanks to improvements in the overall economy that helped produce a surge in the latter half of this year, a leading real estate group said Wednesday.

Propane demand hits a record high for November

DECEMBER 12, 2013
Propane demand hits a record high for November

http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=14151

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Weekly Petroleum Status Report
Note: Product supplied is a proxy for consumption.

Propane is produced from natural gas at processing plants and from crude oil at refineries. Propane produced from natural gas has been the fastest-growing component of overall U.S. propane supply. Propane production in the United States has set record highs on an almost weekly basis in 2013 as a result of increased oil and natural gas drilling. A record corn crop harvest has increased the demand for propane (shown in the graph above as product supplied) in the central United States. Expanded propane production met this agricultural demand, while continuing to supply other markets.

2014 US Credit Outlook - Living in a Lean World


2014 US Credit Outlook - Living in a Lean World

Mark Howard, Colleen Watson, Ashish Jain - Credit
The Weekly Credit Pulse | 12 Dec 2013 16:47 | 1131 Kb

Summary
2014 US Credit Market Roadmap
US credit spreads are likely to grind tighter through much of 2014, but the path will not be linear or easy. Decent fundamentals and solid inflows are offset by rising interest rates, suppressed volatility, and skinny valuations. Total returns are expected to be modest in 2014 given our rates forecast, but excess returns are expected to be decidedly positive. We forecast 13bp of cash IG spread tightening and 58bp of HY tightening by year-end.

CIT Survey Finds Middle Market Commercial Real Estate Executives Cautiously Optimistic But Feeling The Strain Of The Taxes And Regulations

http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbespr/2013/12/12/cit-survey-finds-middle-market-commercial-real-estate-executives-cautiously-optimistic-but-feeling-the-strain-of-the-taxes-and-regulations/

12/12/2013 @ 9:11AM
CIT Survey Finds Middle Market Commercial Real Estate Executives Cautiously Optimistic But Feeling The Strain Of The Taxes And Regulations

60% Say Their Go-Forward Orientation Is Opportunistic, With a Mix of Challenges and Opportunities
60% Say the Current Tax and Regulatory Climate Is Placing a Strain on Their Performance
40% Say They Are Negotiating Harder With State and Local Governments to Obtain Tax Credits


NEW YORK – December 12, 2013 – Middle market commercial real estate executives are expressing cautious optimism toward the market and are looking to take advantage of long-term investment opportunities. However, the majority are finding that the current tax and regulatory climate is placing a strain on the performance of their companies. These are some of the findings from a recent survey (cit.com/realestateoutlook) by CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT) cit.com, a leading provider of financing and advisory services to small businesses and middle market companies, and Forbes Insights.

Economy, Marc Faber


The problem with Mr. Obama is that you get more regulation and it’s a disincentive for businessmen to hire people. You probably also get higher taxes, so in terms of the economy, he is very negative in my view.

- Marc Faber (1946- )

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

US Views: Looking to 2014 (Hatzius)

US Views: Looking to 2014 (Hatzius)

Published December 10, 2013

1. The economic news remains broadly encouraging. Although we would discount the 3.6% increase in Q3 GDP—which was inflated by a large inventory contribution that is likely to reverse in Q4—other indicators also suggest that growth has accelerated since earlier in the year. Nonfarm payrolls grew a solid 203,000 in November, business surveys are at levels consistent with above-trend growth, and the consumer picture is improving, judging from the latest auto sales and consumer sentiment figures. Taking October and November together to adjust for the government shutdown distortions, our current activity indicator (CAI) has averaged 3% in the past two months, up from around 2% in the first half of 2013. Likewise, our US-MAP surprise index has moved back into positive territory, indicating that the economic activity data are mostly beating consensus forecasts.

SHORT-TERM ENERGY OUTLOOK: Global Crude Oil and Liquid Fuels

http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/steo/report/global_oil.cfm

SHORT-TERM ENERGY OUTLOOK
Release Date: December 10, 2013 | Next Release Date: January 7, 2014 | Full Report | Text Only | All Tables | All Figures

Global Crude Oil and Liquid Fuels

SHORT-TERM ENERGY OUTLOOK: Prices

http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/steo/report/prices.cfm

SHORT-TERM ENERGY OUTLOOK
Release Date: December 10, 2013 | Next Release Date: January 7, 2014 | Full Report | Text Only | All Tables | All Figures

Prices

SHORT-TERM ENERGY OUTLOOK: Overview

http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/steo/index.cfm

SHORT-TERM ENERGY OUTLOOK
Release Date: December 10, 2013 | Next Release Date: January 7, 2014 | Full Report | Text Only | All Tables | All Figures

Overview

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

PIERRE & VACANCES RETURNS TO PROFITABILITY

PIERRE & VACANCES RETURNS TO PROFITABILITY

The Pierre & Vacances Center Parcs group closed the year with an operating profit of 2.6 million euro, as compared to a loss of 7 million euro last year.

http://hospitality-on.com/en/news/2013/12/10/pierre-vacances-returns-to-profitability/

Economists a bit more upbeat about 2014

http://www.cnbc.com/id/101254028

Economists a bit more upbeat about 2014

Published: Monday, 9 Dec 2013 | 12:01 AM ET
By: John W. Schoen | CNBC.com Economics Reporter

They're not exactly singing "Happy Days Are Here Again," but business economists are feeling a little more upbeat about the recovery and job market heading into next year, according to a survey of the group released Monday.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

GLOBAL OFFICE FORECAST 2014-2015

http://www.cushmanwakefield.kr/en-gb/research-and-insight/2013/global-office-forecast-2014-2015/

GLOBAL OFFICE FORECAST 2014-2015
Published Date : 04/12/2013
Maria Sicola

The following is a summary
Download the PDF

The global office market is poised for slow steady growth in 2014, while 2015 should be more robust as recovery takes hold and business gains renewed confidence. Jakarta, Dublin and Boston are the regional leaders among the top cities forecasted to see the highest office rental rate growth through 2015.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Natural gas use for power generation falls as industrial sector's use continues to rise

DECEMBER 4, 2013
Natural gas use for power generation falls as industrial sector's use continues to rise

http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=14031

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Natural Gas Monthly and Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO)
Note: October 2013 and November 2013 consumption volumes represent preliminary STEO estimates.

For the first eleven months of 2013, natural gas consumption in the electric power sector was below 2012 levels because of relatively higher natural gas prices compared with coal prices, and cooler summer weather compared with 2012. EIA estimates that electric power sector natural gas consumption was, on average, down by 13% so far in 2013 (through November), relative to the same time period in 2012. By contrast, industrial sector natural gas consumption in 2013 was up 3% compared with 2012.

Global Office Forecast 2014-2015

http://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/research-and-insight/2013/global-office-forecast-2014-2015/

Global Office Forecast 2014-2015
Published Date : 12/4/2013
Maria Sicola

The following is a summary
Download the PDF

The global office market is poised for slow steady growth in 2014, while 2015 should be more robust as recovery takes hold and business gains renewed confidence. Jakarta, Dublin and Boston are the regional leaders among the top cities forecasted to see the highest office rental rate growth through 2015.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Europe’s real estate market watch

Europe’s real estate market watch

Dentons
Eric Rosedale

European Union
December 3 2013

Europe’s real estate recovery gains momentum

After years of facing a brutal combination of global tail risks and local head winds, European real estate markets appear to be gathering steam in both volume and breadth. While the global property investment market is predicted to grow by around 6 percent this year, European real estate markets generally experienced a more robust year-on-year progress in 2013.

http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=f3966c79-2329-440d-bd54-7c14c151e65d

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Emerging Trends in Real Estate® 2014

http://www.pwc.com/us/en/asset-management/real-estate/publications/emerging-trends-in-real-estate-2014.jhtml

Emerging Trends in Real Estate® 2014

November 2013

At a glance

What are the best bets for investment and development in 2014? Based on personal interviews with and surveys from more than 1,000 of the most influential leaders in the real estate industry, this forecast will give you a heads-up on where to invest, which sectors and markets offer the best prospects, and trends in the capital markets that will affect real estate.

Download: Emerging Trends in Real Estate® 2014

http://www.pwc.com/us/en/asset-management/real-estate/publications/emerging-trends-in-real-estate-2014.jhtml

Friday, November 29, 2013

Yelp’s old-is-new San Francisco headquarters

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/yelps-new-offices-are-something-to-shout-about-2013-11-29

Nov. 29, 2013, 9:38 a.m. EST

Yelp’s old-is-new San Francisco headquarters
Commentary: Historic high-rise was once home to Baby Bell PT&T

By Therese Poletti, MarketWatch

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — Word in the bubbly start-up community is that Silicon Valley has effectively moved to San Francisco, and Yelp Inc. is the latest example.

After a recent visit to the new headquarters of Yelp, it’s easy to understand why so many tech-sector employees and employers prefer to be based here instead of in the blander valley to the south — even as San Francisco rents soar and observers bemoan a new dot-com bubble.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Mesa West tops $752M fund goal

http://www.rew-online.com/2013/11/27/mesa-west-tops-752m-fund-goal/

Mesa West tops $752M fund goal
By REW Staff
8:22 AM, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Mesa West Capital has closed its Mesa West Real Estate Income Fund III, LP with $752 million in equity commitments, announced principal Ryan Krauch.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Global Economic Outlook - 2014 - Four Seasons of Leverage


Global Economic Outlook - 2014 - Four Seasons of Leverage

■ 1# Bumpy growth relay from emerging to advanced

For the first time post-crisis, we expect advanced economies in 2014 to see an increased contribution to global growth as emerging economies deleverage. Commodity markets will sit at the heart of this dynamic - our strategists look for range-bound markets in 2014.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Turkey: Capacity utilisation rate retraces from a two-year high in November


Turkey: Capacity utilisation rate retraces from a two-year high in November
Emre Tekmen - Market Economics | 26 Nov 2013

Seasonally adjusted capacity utilisation rate fell 0.8pp to 74.9% in November, paring back last month’s increase of similar amount. As a result, capacity utilisation rate is now back at its June-September average, down from a two-year high of 75.7% in October. The decline in the capacity utilisation rate was mainly driven by intermediate goods production, namely manufacture of chemicals and plastics. Capacity utilisation rate in non-metallic mineral production, a strong proxy for construction sector, declined 1.5pp and trimmed the 2.5pp increase in October. Among export-oriented sectors, manufacture of textiles and basic metals were broadly flat whereas capacity utilisation rate in automotive production fell for the third consecutive month.

Monday, November 25, 2013

PRESS RELEASE:San Francisco Office Market Continues Strong Performance

http://nreionline.com/nreiwire/press-releasesan-francisco-office-market-continues-strong-performance

PRESS RELEASE:San Francisco Office Market Continues Strong Performance
Megan Dolan
Nov. 25, 2013

SAN FRANCISCO — On behalf of a large pension fund advisor, Jones Lang LaSalle’s Capital Markets experts announced the $80 million sale of the Monadnock Building, a 204,625-square-foot office building located at 685 Market Street in the heart of San Francisco’s South Financial District, to Brookfield Office Properties.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

High global investor confidence fuels plans to expand, particularly in 'safe havens'

http://www.colliers.com/en-us/insights/market-news/2014-property-investor-report

High global investor confidence fuels plans to expand, particularly in 'safe havens'

More than 500 global respondents reveal intentions, targets and strategies

Where will global property investors be buying in 2014? Surprisingly, despite recent economic uncertainty, investors are willing to look beyond political circumstances and invest in areas with strong property fundamentals. Overall, our new Global Investor Sentiment Survey finds optimism in the economic outlook for 2014, and with this increased confidence, many investors are planning to expand, especially in 'safe-haven' cities.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

San Francisco Office Market Continues Strong Performance

http://www.joneslanglasalle.co.za/Pages/NewsItem.aspx?ItemID=29670

San Francisco Office Market Continues Strong Performance

JLL closes $80 million sale of landmark Monadnock Building in South Financial District

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 21, 2013 — On behalf of a large pension fund advisor, Jones Lang LaSalle’s Capital Markets experts announced today the $80 million sale of the Monadnock Building, a 204,625-square-foot office building located at 685 Market Street in the heart of San Francisco’s South Financial District, to Brookfield Office Properties.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Property Performance Monitor, Fourth Quarter 2013

http://www.rreef.com/research/research_6917.jsp

Property Performance Monitor, Fourth Quarter 2013

Quarterly Highlights:

■ The NCREIF Property Index (NPI) returned 2.5% during the fourth quarter 2013 and 11.0% for all of 2013. Fourth quarter 2013 returns were modestly lower than second and third quarters, and on par with first quarter returns.

■ Both the retail and industrial sectors outperformed in 2013. Cap rate compression and NOI growth together gave a boost to the appreciation returns for these sectors.

■ Energy and tech based MSAs continued to have higher returns and drove sector performance. Properties in Dallas, Houston, San Francisco (ex. industrial) and San Jose outperformed almost across the board. Properties in Washington in all four sectors were a drag on total returns. (see page 3 for more information)

Download [PDF]

http://www.rreef.com/research/research_6917.jsp

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Advice, Italian Proverb


Flag
of Italy
After the ship has sunk, everyone knows how it might have been saved.

- Italian Proverb

Thursday, November 14, 2013

MAIN STREETS ACROSS THE WORLD 2013-2014

http://www.cushmanwakefield.kr/en-gb/research-and-insight/2013/main-streets-across-the-world-2013/

MAIN STREETS ACROSS THE WORLD 2013-2014
Published Date : 13/11/2013
Martin Mahmuti

The following is a summary
Download the PDF

Cushman & Wakefield is at the centre of retail, providing value added real estate services to our clients globally. We monitor the evolution of the industry as well as global retail trends and practices to ensure our clients can best position their businesses to capitalise on future trends.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Logistics data shows where the real risks in moving oil reside

Logistics data shows where the real risks in moving oil reside

Based on virtually all metrics of safety, whether environmental, occupational or residential, movement of oil and gas is safest via pipeline, less safe via rail and still less safe via roadway

http://www.biv.com/article/20131112/BIV0108/311129867/-1/BIV0108/logistics-data-shows-where-the-real-risks-in-moving-oil-reside

By Kenneth Green
Tue Nov 12, 2013 12:01am PST

US housing: the price is becoming right (A. Markowska)

US housing: the price is becoming right (A. Markowska)

As housing goes, so goes the economy. Today, this is as true as ever. The Fed hit a pause button on tapering after mortgage rates rose sharply, and it awaits more evidence of sustained progress. While some housing indicators softened in recent months, we remain optimistic on demand. We explain why below.

Turkey: C/A deficit deteriorates further


Turkey: C/A deficit deteriorates further
Emre Tekmen - Market Economics | 13 Nov 2013 10:54

At USD 3.3bn, September's current account deficit was higher than the market’s expectations (USD 2.7bn) and our above-consensus forecast (USD 3.0bn). In addition, January-August current account deficit was revised up by a total of USD 1.4bn, mainly due to lower tourism revenues. As a result, 12-month cumulative c/a deficit reached USD 59.1bn in September, from USD 58.5bn in August. Non-energy current account deficit also widened by USD 0.8bn to USD 9.3bn, on a 12-month cumulative basis. Turkey was a net gold importer in September as well, contrary to last year, and 12-month cumulative net gold imports reached a record high of USD 7.3bn. At the same time, we also note that seasonally adjusted current account deficit excluding gold and energy has been widening gradually since the start of the year.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Advice, Mark, New Testament, Bible

Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

- Gospel of Mark 4,24-25

http://www.usccb.org/bible/mark/4

Thursday, November 7, 2013

U.S. COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY

http://www.pwc.com/us/en/press-releases/2013/emerging-trends-in-real-estate-forecast-press-releases.jhtml

U.S. COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY REACHES INFLECTION POINT IN 2014 WITH INVESTORS RETURNING TO SECONDARY MARKETS, ACCORDING TO PwC US AND URBAN LAND INSTITUTE’S EMERGING TRENDS IN REAL ESTATE® FORECAST

San Francisco Once Again Top Ranked City for 2014;
Industrial Sector Becomes Investor Favored Property Type
Report Highlights Potential “Best Bets” for Investors in 2014


CHICAGO, November, 7 2013 – The U.S. real estate recovery is set to continue into 2014, with investors increasingly looking beyond some of the traditionally popular markets to secondary markets in search of higher yields, according to Emerging Trends in Real Estate® 2014, co-published by PwC US and the Urban Land Institute (ULI).

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Europe’s evolving deal market proves difficult

Europe’s evolving deal market proves difficult
November 6 2013

Despite the availability of capital and numerous assets on the market, closing traditional hotel transactions in Europe is still a frustrating ordeal for investors, panelists said during The European Hotel Investment Conference.

By Patrick Mayock
Editor-in-Chief
patrick@hotelnewsnow.com

LONDON—Capital is flowing in Europe and banks have distressed assets at the ready, but the deal market is proving maddening for owners seeking traditional hotel acquisitions, according to a panel at the 25th European Hotel Investment Conference hosted by Deloitte.

“It’s really a question of product,” said Cody Bradshaw, senior VP of Starwood Capital Group, during a session titled “Silver bullets at the ready.”

http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Article/12610/Europes-evolving-deal-market-proves-difficult

Opinion: B.C. leads in environmental standards for natural gas

Opinion: B.C. leads in environmental standards for natural gas

By Rich Coleman, Special to the Vancouver Sun

With recent events bringing attention to hydraulic fracturing, I think it is important for British Columbians to know the facts about natural gas operations in our province.

http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Opinion+leads+environmental+standards+natural/9129600/story.html

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Brookfield Asset Management In The News With Three Major Transactions Totalling $8.9 Billion

http://jewishbusinessnews.com/2013/11/03/brookfield-asset-management-in-the-news-with-three-major-transactions-totalling-8-9-billion/

Brookfield Asset Management In The News With Three Major Transactions Totalling $8.9 Billion

Brookfield Asset Management Inc. is a Canadian publicly listed asset management company. Brookfield manages a global portfolio valued at over US$180 billion, invested on behalf of institutional and corporate clients. The firm’s assets are concentrated in property, renewable power generation, infrastructure and private equity.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Tech Sector Continues to Drive San Francisco Office Market in Sharp Contrast to Rest of Tenant Base

http://www.studley.com/9c1d8ee7-9e58-4725-a007-cb0426a70d0b/our-firm-press-room-detail.htm

Tech Sector Continues to Drive San Francisco Office Market in Sharp Contrast to Rest of Tenant Base

San Francisco, CA (November 1, 2013) - The tech sector continues to drive the San Francisco office market, with the rapid expansion of local companies as well as an influx of Valley firms and others from outside the region contributing to the acceleration. Following a sluggish first half of 2013, tech companies resumed their aggressive pursuit of space in the third quarter, according to the San Francisco Studley Report, Studley’s analysis of office market conditions in the city. Overall leasing volume equaled three million square feet, significantly higher than the historical quarterly average of 1.9 million square feet.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Eco Analysis - UK lending positive again but SME finance still weak (B. Hilliard)

Eco Analysis - UK lending positive again but SME finance still weak (B. Hilliard)

The UK money and credit release showed mortgage approvals picking up much as expected - a slightly faster pace from 63.4k to 66.7k. This is still very low compared to all the hype about the housing boom though but further gains are certain to follow. Consumer credit was a little bit weak at only £0.4bn.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Real estate assets still growing, but at a slower pace

http://www.pionline.com/article/20131028/PRINT/310289996/real-estate-assets-still-growing-but-at-a-slower-pace

Real estate assets still growing, but at a slower pace
Worldwide figure climbs to $882 billion; U.S. institutional tax-exempt total rises 10%

BY ARLEEN JACOBIUS | OCTOBER 28, 2013

Buoyed by rising property values, total worldwide assets of the largest institutional real estate money managers responding to Pensions & Investments' annual survey grew 9% to $882.2 billion in the year ended June 30, exhibiting slower growth than the 11.7% of last year's survey.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Housing in Germany grows more expensive than ever

Housing in Germany grows more expensive than ever

The cost of buying a home or renting an apartment in major cities in Germany is rising sharply, the central bank warns. That's how the crisis in the US, Ireland and Spain began. Is Germany next?

http://www.dw.de/housing-in-germany-grows-more-expensive-than-ever/a-17181528

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

German house prices could be overvalued by 20%: Bundesbank

German house prices could be overvalued by 20%: Bundesbank
Matt Clinch | @mattclinch81
Tuesday, 22 Oct 2013 | 2:55 AM ET

Housing prices in several cities in Germany could be overvalued by as much as 20 percent, according to the country's central bank.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/101130887

Monday, October 21, 2013

Global Germany’s Central Bank Warns of Local Housing Bubbles

10:47 am ET
Oct 21, 2013
Global Germany’s Central Bank Warns of Local Housing Bubbles

Germany’s central bank, the Deutsche Bundesbank, sounded an alarm Monday, warning that urban real estate in the country could in some cases be significantly overvalued, against a backdrop of low interest rates.

http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2013/10/21/germanys-central-bank-warns-of-local-housing-bubbles/

Possible overvaluation of residential property in German cities

Frankfurt am Main | 2013-10-21
Possible overvaluation of residential property in German cities

Housing prices in German cities have been rising so strongly since 2010 that a possible overvaluation cannot be ruled out. This is the finding of an article contained in the Bundesbank’s most recent Monthly Report. According to this article, there are no signs of substantial exaggerations in the housing market as a whole. Nevertheless, price rises have been observed in urban centres, in particular, which “are difficult to justify based on fundamental factors”, the Bundesbank says.

http://www.bundesbank.de/Redaktion/EN/Topics/2013/2013_10_21_possible_overvaluation_of_residential_property_in_german_cities.html

Friday, October 18, 2013

UBS launches infra debt platform

http://www.efinancialnews.com/story/2013-10-18/ubs-launches-infra-debt-platform

UBS launches infra debt platform
Sarah Krouse in Manchester

18 Oct 2013

UBS Global Asset Management has made its first push into infrastructure debt, with the unveiling of a new platform seven months after appointing a senior investment banking executive to spearhead the move.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Italy Attracts Real-Estate Investors From Abroad

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Italy Attracts Real-Estate Investors From Abroad
Confidence in Euro Zone Is Prompting Bets on Weaker Markets

By ALESSIA PIROLO
Oct. 15, 2013 8:26 p.m. ET

Foreign investors are showing a growing appetite for Italian commercial real estate, a sign that the gradual improvement of the European economy is being felt in some of the Continent's weaker property markets.

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304330904579137381040342114

Monday, October 14, 2013

Hermes launches inaugural real estate loan fund

Hermes launches inaugural real estate loan fund
Sarah Krouse
14 Oct 2013

Hermes Real Estate Investment Management is planning to originate up to £1 billion in senior real estate loans each year, moving into the burgeoning sector for the first time.

http://www.efinancialnews.com/story/2013-10-14/hermes-launches-inaugural-real-estate-debt-fund?ea9c8a2de0ee111045601ab04d673622

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Renshaw Bay wins mandate to run £350m real estate debt fund

Renshaw Bay wins mandate to run £350m real estate debt fund
11 Oct 2013

UK – Investment manager Renshaw Bay has won a mandate from life and pensions insurer Guardian Financial Services to run a £350m (€412m) commercial real estate debt fund.

http://www.ipe.com/news/renshaw-bay-wins-mandate-to-run-350m-real-estate-debt-fund_58379.php

Friday, October 11, 2013

2013 | Q3 San Francisco Office Report

http://www.colliers.com/en-us/sanfrancisco/insights

2013 | Q3 San Francisco Office Report >>

The San Francisco office market bounced back from a uneventful first half, and accelerated during the third quarter of 2013 with rent growth and release of several notable properties on the sale market. San Francisco remains ahead of the burgeoning global economy as job growth from its well-funded tech sector benefitted the office market. The third quarter registered the thirteenth consecutive quarter of positive net absorption and vacancy is now below the 10 percent “tipping point” citywide for the first time in consecutive quarters since 2001. Moreover, the rise of the city’s employment and leasing volume over the last 30 months have pushed forward the construction of 4.15 million square feet of new and rehabilitated office development with anticipation of additional projects breaking ground.

http://www.colliers.com/en-us/sanfrancisco/insights

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Real Estate Cycle

Global Office Property Clock
http://www.joneslanglasalle.com/GMP/en-gb/Pages/Global-Market-Perspective-Clock.aspx

Global Office Rent Cycle MarketView and Charts - CBRE
http://www.cbre.com/EN/research/2013-reports/Pages/Select-European-Markets-Show-Signs-of-Improvement.aspx

Global Market Perspective - Charts
http://www.joneslanglasalle.com/GMP/en-gb/Pages/Global-Market-Perspective-Charts.aspx

Global Market Perspective - Office Markets
http://www.joneslanglasalle.com/GMP/en-gb/Pages/Global-Market-Perspective-Offices.aspx

Global Market Perspective - Retail Markets
http://www.joneslanglasalle.com/GMP/en-gb/Pages/Global-Market-Perspective-Retail.aspx

United States Office Property Clock - Jones Lang LaSalle
http://www.us.am.joneslanglasalle.com/unitedstates/en-us/pages/office-property-clock.aspx

United States Industrial Property Clock - Jones Lang LaSalle
http://www.us.am.joneslanglasalle.com/unitedstates/en-us/pages/industrial-property-clock.aspx

United States Retail Property Clock - Jones Lang LaSalle
http://www.us.am.joneslanglasalle.com/unitedstates/en-us/pages/retail-property-clock.aspx

EMEA Office Property Clock - Jones Lang LaSalle
http://www.joneslanglasalle.eu/EMEA/EN-GB/Pages/EuropeanOfficePropertyClock.aspx

EMEA Office Property Clock Q2 2013 - Jones Lang LaSalle
• European Prime Office Rental Index continues upward trend
• Aggregate European leasing volumes up 5% on Q1
• Office vacancy rates remain static
http://www.joneslanglasalle.eu/EMEA/EN-GB/Pages/ResearchDetails.aspx?ItemID=11825

European prime property rents to increase in 2014

European prime property rents to increase in 2014

​EXPO REAL, 7 October 2013 – Jones Lang LaSalle’s real estate data for H1 2013 indicates a stabilising situation across European prime property, with signs of recovery apparent in several key markets.

http://www.joneslanglasalle.eu/EMEA/EN-GB/Pages/Newsitem.aspx?ItemID=29318#.UlSAXobIZOw

Thursday, October 3, 2013

An Energy Boom That Could Last

http://business.time.com/2013/10/03/texas-tea-party/

An Energy Boom That Could Last
For a bursting oil region like Texas, experience is an asset

By Bryan Walsh / Midland @bryanrwalsh
Oct. 03, 2013

Oil and natural gas are old energy — as old as it gets. But increasingly, the technology used to extract them is cutting-edge. “Over the last 20 or 30 years, there’s been more technological leaps out of the oil and gas industry than there’s been out of Silicon Valley,” says Dale Nijoka, Ernst & Young’s global oil and gas leader.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

San Francisco Leads Office Leasing on Tech Strength

http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2013/10/02/no-shutdown-in-sight-san-francisco-leads-office-leasing-on-tech-strength/

October 2, 2013, 7:30 AM.
San Francisco Leads Office Leasing on Tech Strength

It’s slow going in the U.S. office market.

Digital Realty And Prudential Real Estate Investors Announce $369 Million Joint Venture

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/digital-realty-prudential-real-estate-220300914.html

Digital Realty And Prudential Real Estate Investors Announce $369 Million Joint Venture

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (DLR), a leading global provider of data center solutions, announced today the formation of a $369 million joint venture with an investment fund managed by Prudential Real Estate Investors ("PREI"), the real estate investment management and advisory business of Prudential Financial, Inc. (PRU).

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

KNOC strikes oil in Canada

KNOC strikes oil in Canada
Monday, September 30th, 2013

http://sweetcrudereports.com/2013/09/30/knoc-strikes-oil-in-canada/

30 September 2013 News Wires - State-run Korea National Oil Corp, KNOC, said on Sunday its Canadian subsidiary found at least 5.9 million barrels of oil in a well where it began drilling earlier this month.

Money, Confucius (孔子)


He who will not economize will have to agonize.

- Confucius (孔子, 551BC–479BC)

Monday, September 30, 2013

Canada's Harvest drilling finds 5.9 mln bbls oil reserve - KNOC

Canada's Harvest drilling finds 5.9 mln bbls oil reserve - KNOC

SEOUL, Sept 29 | Sun Sep 29, 2013 5:33am EDT

(Reuters) - State-run Korea National Oil Corp (KNOC) said on Sunday its loss-making subsidiary Harvest Operations had found at least 5.9 million barrels of crude oil in a Canadian well where it began drilling earlier this month.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/29/knoc-korea-canada-idUSL4N0HP07A20130929

Friday, September 27, 2013

Commodity supercycle is ‘alive and well’: McKinsey & Co.

Commodity supercycle is ‘alive and well’: McKinsey & Co.
September 26, 2013, 12:16 PM

Recent declines in commodity prices have raised the idea that the so-called commodity supercycle is over, but not everyone believes that.

http://blogs.marketwatch.com/thetell/2013/09/26/commodity-supercycle-is-alive-and-well-mckinsey-co/

Italy: Political high-wire act

Commerzbank Corporates & Markets
Interest Rate Strategy

Italy: Political high-wire act

Italy: Political jitters stage a stunning comeback. BTPs underperformance may prevail also in the sessions ahead.

https://research.commerzbank.com

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

UPDATE 1-S.Korea's KNOC says eyeing sale of parts of Canadian unit Harvest

UPDATE 1-S.Korea's KNOC says eyeing sale of parts of Canadian unit Harvest

Tue Sep 24, 2013 4:37am EDT

* A few buyers showed interest in some assets of Harvest

* KNOC re-evaluating overseas assets including UK-based Dana

* Could sell parts of overseas assets to reinforce business

By Meeyoung Cho

SEOUL, Sept 24 (Reuters) - State-run Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) said it is considering selling 'non-core parts' of its loss-making Canadian energy subsidiary Harvest Operations and reviewing other overseas assets for potential sale of some of their parts.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/24/knoc-korea-harvest-idUSL4N0HK16720130924

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Identifying a Top Tier Real Estate Investment Manager

http://wealthmanagement.com/viewpoints/identifying-top-tier-real-estate-investment-manager

Identifying a Top Tier Real Estate Investment Manager
Sep. 24, 2013 Michael Episcope

There was probably no asset class hit harder than real estate during the economic crisis of 2008 and 2009, and many investors swore never to return again. After double digit returns for 3 years in a row and counting, those investors are seriously regretting this decision.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Property Investors Widen Hunt in Europe

EUROPE MARKETS September 17, 2013
Property Investors Widen Hunt in Europe
Buyers Are Turning to Secondary Cities and Various Asset Types

By SARAH KROUSE

Institutional investors in Western European property are getting bolder in their hunt for higher returns, testing new locations and asset classes.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Westfield Sells 7 U.S. Malls to Starwood for $1.6 Billion

Westfield Sells 7 U.S. Malls to Starwood for $1.6 Billion
By Nichola Saminather - Sep 16, 2013

Westfield Group (WDC), the world’s biggest shopping-center operator by assets, will sell seven malls in the U.S. for $1.6 billion to an affiliate of Starwood Capital Group LLC, as the company consolidates its U.S. portfolio to fund higher-return activities.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-16/westfield-sells-seven-u-s-malls-to-starwood-for-1-6-billion.html

Saturday, September 14, 2013

The Lionstone Group Announces Major Repositioning of Dallas' Lincoln Plaza

The Lionstone Group Announces Major Repositioning of Dallas' Lincoln Plaza
Ownership completes a $25 million renovation and renames the building Ross Tower

DALLAS, Sept. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- The Lionstone Group, a privately-owned real estate investment firm, announced today that Dallas' Lincoln Plaza will be renamed Ross Tower to more accurately reflect its prime downtown location at the corner of Ross Avenue and Akard Street.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-lionstone-group-announces-major-repositioning-of-dallas-lincoln-plaza-223681671.html

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

PCCP, LLC Provides $80 Million in Senior Loans to Keystone Property Group

http://nreionline.com/nreiwire/press-release-pccp-llc-provides-80-million-senior-loans-keystone-property-group

PRESS RELEASE: PCCP, LLC Provides $80 Million in Senior Loans to Keystone Property Group
Sep. 10, 2013
Darcie Giacchetto

New York, NY - PCCP, LLC announced today it has provided a total of $80 million in senior loans to a joint venture between Keystone Property Group and Mack-Cali Realty Corporation, a New Jersey-based Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). The loans were for a portfolio of four separate office properties all located within Pennsylvania.

Institutional investors look to real estate debt funds

Institutional investors look to real estate debt funds
Tuesday, 10 September 2013

New research from Preqin reveals that institutional investor appetite for real estate debt investments has tripled over the last two years, from 8% of investors targeting the strategy in December 2011 to 23% in August 2013.

http://www.ftseglobalmarkets.com/news/institutional-investors-look-to-real-estate-debt-funds.html

Real estate debt satisfies institutional investor appetite

Real estate debt satisfies institutional investor appetite
Fundraising expands rapidly in the space
Christina Mlynski
September 10, 2013

With fund managers stepping in to fill a void left by traditional lenders backing out of the market, private real estate debt investment activity picked up significantly over the past two years.

http://www.housingwire.com/articles/26761-real-estate-debt-satisfies-institutional-investor-appetite

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Blackstone nears takeover for debt-ridden commercial real estate company Multi Corp

Blackstone nears takeover for debt-ridden commercial real estate company Multi Corp

30 Aug 2013

Global investment firm the Blackstone Group is nearing the acquisition of European inner commercial retail developer Multi Corp, Bloomberg has reported.

http://www.altassets.net/private-equity-news/by-news-type/deal-news/blakstone-nears-takeover-for-debt-ridden-commercial-real-estate-company-multi-corp.html

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Blackstone debt fund holds final close

August 28, 2013

Blackstone debt fund holds final close

The Blackstone Group has raised an additional $406 million in equity commitments for its Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies II (BREDS II), according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

http://www.irei.com/blog/?p=1089

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

AMP Capital Raises $300 Million For Infrastructure Debt Fund

Aug 26, 2013
ASIA

AMP Capital Raises $300 Million For Infrastructure Debt Fund

By GILLIAN TAN

Australian investment manager AMP Capital has raised an initial US$300 million for its AMP Capital Infrastructure Debt Fund II from investors in Europe and Asia.

http://blogs.wsj.com/moneybeat/2013/08/26/amp-capital-raises-300-million-for-infrastructure-debt-fund/

Friday, August 23, 2013

Renshaw Bay launches real estate debt fund

http://www.efinancialnews.com/story/2012-08-22/renshaw-bay-has-made-its-debut-in-real-estate-debt?ea9c8a2de0ee111045601ab04d673622

Renshaw Bay launches real estate debt fund
Mike Foster
22 Aug 2012

Renshaw Bay, the investment boutique led by former JP Morgan banker Bill Winters, has launched its first fund, offering investors the opportunity to invest in real estate debt.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Yelp Occupies 140 New Montgomery

http://news.theregistrysf.com/yelp-occupies-140-new-montgomery/

Yelp Occupies 140 New Montgomery
POSTED ON AUGUST 19, 2013 BY PUBLISHER IN AEC, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRY NEWS

By Sharon Simonson

Business-review Web site Yelp Inc. has optioned an additional three floors totaling approximately 36,000 square feet at 140 New Montgomery St. in San Francisco.

Sneak peek: Yelp's new San Francisco HQ set to open

http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/2013/08/sneak-peak-yelp-new-san-francisco-hq.html

Aug 19, 2013, 2:58pm PDT
Sneak peek: Yelp's new San Francisco HQ set to open

J.K. Dineen
Reporter-
San Francisco Business Times

You can say this about the historic Pacific Telephone tower at 140 New Montgomery: they are going to love it on Yelp.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

INVESTMENT FLOWS INTO EUROPEAN RETAIL ARE 43% HIGHER IN H1 2013

14 August 2013
INVESTMENT FLOWS INTO EUROPEAN RETAIL ARE 43% HIGHER IN H1 2013

Half year investment volumes, at €14 billion, are up by 43% from the €9.8 billion recorded in the first half of 2012. Increased transaction volume is being driven primarily by the increased availability of stock on the market, which is helping to satisfy the latent investor demand for European retail assets. Whilst the traditional powerhouse markets of the UK, France and in particular Germany, continue to see healthy investment activity, investors are broadening their horizons across Europe. Sweden, Poland, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia and Austria, as well as Russia and Turkey, all had active quarters. As investor interest and activity is certainly more widespread than in previous years it is believed that it should sustain volumes over the second half which is traditionally busier than the first.

Source: Weight of Money trumps prospects of monetary tightening, JLL Q2 2013

http://www.pradera.com/retail-news/investment-flows-into-european-retail-are-43-highe

Monday, August 12, 2013

Irish investors sell Marks & Spencer's London HQ for €240m to Asian property syndicate

Irish investors sell Marks & Spencer's London HQ for €240m to Asian property syndicate
TOM LYONS – 11 AUGUST 2013

INVESTORS in D2 Private, including David Arnold, the father of actress Leigh Arnold, are close to bagging a significant profit by selling Marks & Spencer's headquarters in London for €240m.

http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/irish-investors-sell-marks-spencers-london-hq-for-240m-to-asian-property-syndicate-29489855.html

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Investment in European industrial property returns to pre-crisis levels

August 6, 2013 5:30 pm
Investment in European industrial property returns to pre-crisis levels
By Ed Hammond, Property Correspondent

Spending on European industrial property has returned to pre-financial crisis levels as a range of international investors vie for warehouses, logistics hubs and small factories, underscoring the improving sentiment over the continent’s economy.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b98e961e-feac-11e2-b9b0-00144feabdc0.html#ixzz2bKSoAgD6

Goldman to Axa Ride London’s Crossrail Office Boom

Goldman to Axa Ride London’s Crossrail Office Boom
By Neil Callanan & Patrick Gower - Aug 6, 2013

London’s high-speed rail project is helping to drive an office-building boom on the City of London’s western edge as investors rejuvenate aging sites like Smithfield Market near future transport hubs.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-08-05/goldman-to-axa-ride-london-s-crossrail-office-boom-real-estate.html

Monday, August 5, 2013

Finance, Bill Gross


Inflation and deflation in this levered world coexist nearly side-by-side.

- Bill Gross (1944- )

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Starwood Capital Group Purchases Liberty Center in Pittsburgh

Starwood Capital Group Purchases Liberty Center in Pittsburgh
Transaction includes Federated Tower and the Westin Pittsburgh

GREENWICH, Conn., Aug. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Starwood Capital Group, a leading global private investment firm focused on real estate, announced today that an entity controlled by Starwood Distressed Opportunity Fund IX has acquired Liberty Center, a prominent mixed-use office and hotel asset located in downtown Pittsburgh's "Golden Triangle." The property was acquired from a partnership that included Forest City Enterprises, Inc. and Jos. L. Muscarelle, Inc., for a gross selling price of $135 million.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/starwood-capital-group-purchases-liberty-center-in-pittsburgh-218083091.html

Friday, August 2, 2013

A Simple Solution for America's Looming Commercial Debt Crisis

A Simple Solution for America's Looming Commercial Debt Crisis
By JASON GOLD
August 1, 2013

As the housing sector continues its apparent recovery, some U.S. lawmakers are turning their attention to a looming crisis in the commercial real estate market, which is threatened by an avalanche of debt as loans made during the heady days of the early aughts start coming due over the next five years.

http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/economic-intelligence/2013/08/01/a-simple-solution-for-americas-looming-commercial-debt-crisis

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Property market in Central London, Michael Marx


Such low yields could signal the top of the property market in central London. Those sorts of yields are breathtaking. The problem is that when you get to the top of Mount Everest there is only way to go.

- Michael Marx, Reuters, Jul 26, 2013

Ultra-low yields suggest London property crash around the corner

Ultra-low yields suggest London property crash around the corner

By Tom Bill
LONDON | Fri Jul 26, 2013 4:56pm BST

(Reuters) - Voracious investor demand for the best London real estate is approaching record levels that could trigger a price crash in popular areas such as upmarket Bond Street, property experts said this week.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

United States, Jason Zweig


Here Comes the Next Hot Emerging Market: It is called "the United States."

- Jason Zweig, Wall Street Journal, Jul 24, 2013

Italy May Retail Sales Almost Flat on Month, -1.1% on Year

July 24, 2013
Italy May Retail Sales Almost Flat on Month, -1.1% on Year

By Manuela Mesco

ROME--Italy's retail sales in May increased by 0.1%, compared with April, national statistics institute Istat said Wednesday.

http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20130724-702696.html

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Brookfield Asset Management Raises $4.4 Billion for Real estate Fund Surpassing Target

http://www.realtytoday.com/articles/4593/20130724/brookfield-asset-management-raises-4-billion-real-estate-fund-surpassing.htm

Posted by Rapti Gupta on Jul 24, 2013 09:47 AM EDT
Brookfield Asset Management Raises $4.4 Billion for Real estate Fund Surpassing Target

Brookfield Asset Management Inc, the Canadian asset managing firm, has reportedly raised $4.4 billion for its global real estate fund. The amount is one of the largest since the financial crisis and has surpassed the $3.5 billion target, the company actually affixed, according to several media reports.

Atlanta's CRE debt woes improving

Jul 23, 2013, 2:22pm EDT
Atlanta's CRE debt woes improving

Douglas Sams
Commercial Real Estate Editor-
Atlanta Business Chronicle

Atlanta’s commercial real estate sector continues digging out of debt, another sign a broad recovery is speeding up.

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/real_talk/2013/07/atlantas-cre-debt-woes-improving.html

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Investors, Analysts See End of Commodity 'Supercycle'

July 22, 2013, 12:46 a.m. ET
Investors, Analysts See End of Commodity 'Supercycle'
Popular Bet in Global Financial Markets—That Prices Would Keep Rising—Is Unraveling

Investors are suffering mounting losses as a decadelong rise in commodity prices unravels amid slowing emerging-markets economies, rising supplies of oil and metals and the eventual end of central-bank stimulus policies that propped up prices for raw materials.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324144304578619672666497416.html

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Eco Analysis - UK economy on track for a firm Q2 (M. Martinez)

July 18, 2013

Eco Analysis - UK economy on track for a firm Q2 (M. Martinez)

In the UK, retail sales increased in June and are now up 0.9% qoq in Q2. This bodes well for Q2 GDP number to be released next week. (SG: 0.6% qoq). Signs that a cyclical recovery is ongoing have become clear in the UK, in contrast to the euro area. In France, FM Moscovici announced that the Livret A rate will be cut to 1.25% from 1.75% from 1 August. In Greece, the parliament approved the bill that clears the way for the release of the remaining IMF/ESM fund tranche

Foreign investors behind record 82% of London property activity

July 17, 2013 5:30 pm
Foreign investors behind record 82% of London property activity
By Ed Hammond, Property Correspondent

The attraction of London property to foreign investors shows no signs of waning as a surge of Asian and Middle Eastern money ensured that UK buyers accounted for less than a fifth of all commercial purchases during the first half of the year.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/dcc2032a-eed3-11e2-98dd-00144feabdc0.html#ixzz2d4ppweSX

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Cornerstone plans property debt fund

Cornerstone plans property debt fund
Sarah Krouse
15 Jul 2013

Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers, a subsidiary of Massachusetts Mutual that entered the UK real estate debt market in 2012, plans to raise third-party capital for further investments in the sector next year.

http://www.efinancialnews.com/story/2013-07-15/cornerstone-real-estate-plans-uk-property-debt-fund?ea9c8a2de0ee111045601ab04d673622

Saturday, July 13, 2013

AllianceBernstein's Real Estate Group Expands Platform with New Commercial Real Estate Debt Fund

AllianceBernstein's Real Estate Group Expands Platform with New Commercial Real Estate Debt Fund
Industry Veteran Roger Cozzi Joins Firm to Lead CRE Debt Group

NEW YORK, July 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- AllianceBernstein L.P. (AllianceBernstein) announced today that it has successfully launched its first commercial real estate debt fund (the "Fund") as part of the firm's ongoing efforts to broaden its alternative investment offerings.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alliancebernsteins-real-estate-group-expands-platform-with-new-commercial-real-estate-debt-fund-215282911.html

News analysis: Backing the debt fund to win

Real Estate News
News analysis: Backing the debt fund to win
12 July 2013

Opinion is divided over the potential for real estate debt funds becoming an established institutional asset class in Europe, writes Richard Lowe.

EUROPE – Real estate investment managers continue to bet on the prospects for real estate debt funds despite some scepticism over whether they really constitute a viable business plan.

http://www.ipe.com/realestate/news-analysis-backing-the-debt-fund-to-win_54354.php

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

2013 | Q2 San Francisco Office Report

http://www.colliers.com/en-us/sanfrancisco/insights

2013 | Q2 San Francisco Office Report >>

Shaking off a sluggish first quarter the San Francisco Bay Area finished off the first half of 2013 with healthy leasing and rent growth. San Francisco remains ahead of the burgeoning global economy as job growth and leading-edge productivity due to technology have benefitted the office market. The second quarter registered the twelfth consecutive quarter of positive net absorption ,and vacancy is now below the 10 percent "tipping point" citywide for the first time since 2007. Moreover, the rise of the city’s employment and leasing volume over the last 24 months have pushed forward the construction of 3.4 million square feet of new and rehabilitated office development, with anticipation of additional projects breaking ground.

http://www.colliers.com/en-us/sanfrancisco/insights

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Eco Analysis - Mixed UK data but Q2 still looks strong (B. Hilliard)

Eco Analysis - Mixed UK data but Q2 still looks strong (B. Hilliard)

The UK data released today show the housing market revving up in response to the government's Help to Buy scheme. UK manufacturing output surprised with a sharp fall but Q2 GDP still looks on track for a strong gain of around 0.5% qoq.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Enter Sandman?

Enter Sandman?

Julia Coronado - Market Economics
US Daily Spotlight | 09 Jul 2013 00:06 |

Markets settled down a little on Monday with Treasuries yields retracing nearly half their Friday spike and equities posting another modest gain closing just under 2% below their peak on May 21, the day before Chairman Bernanke effectively endorsed tapering. With little data to digest investors are looking to a series of bond auctions and a speech from Chairman Bernanke on Wednesday afternoon to set the tone. Bernanke will speak at a conference sponsored by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) titled “The First 100 Years of the Federal Reserve: The Policy Record, Lessons Learned, and Prospects for the Future”. There is no title listed on the conference agenda but Chairman Bernanke closes the conference after four academic papers on political influences on Fed policy, international influences, appropriate design of a central bank, and the Fed’s track record on regulation. The lunch will feature a talk by Paul Volcker moderated by Martin Feldstein. The Federal Reserve Board has confirmed there will be a prepared text for the Chairman’s talk and he will take audience questions.

Germany: Only a small minus for manufacturing in May

Economic Briefing
Germany: Only a small minus for manufacturing in May

In May, German industry cut production by 1% on the previous month. But since output had increased significantly in the two preceding months, the average over April and May was nearly 3% up on the first quarter, which leads us to expect a very large gain in GDP. However, this momentum is unlikely to continue in the third quarter.

Commerzbank Corporates & Markets
Economic Research
https://research.commerzbank.com

Friday, July 5, 2013

British Land Invests £470 million in Paddington Central

British Land Invests £470 million in Paddington Central
Attractive West End Estate with Development Potential

British Land is pleased to announce that it has acquired assets comprising the majority of Paddington Central, a 1.2 million sq ft office-led, mixed use estate close to Paddington station in London’s West End. The investment offers an attractive blend of income and capital return, with major development potential and significant future opportunity to improve the estate through asset management. On completion of the developments, British Land will own 1.0 million sq ft of a 1.6 million sq ft estate.

http://www.britishland.com/media/news/2013/05-07-2013.aspx

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Chile: Two Activity Roads Diverged More

Chile: Two Activity Roads Diverged More

Nader Nazmi, Oscar Munoz - Market Economics
Latam Macro Snapshot | 28 Jun 2013 18:26 | 242 Kb

Supply and demand data diverged further in May. Retail sales data showed continued strong consumer demand while manufacturing and IP data reflected slowing production. Manufacturing production declined 4.2% y/y in May, surprising our and market expectations projecting expansions of 1.3% and 1.7% y/y, respectively. The setback in manufacturing production was broad-based with eight of its thirteen divisions retreating in the month. Apart from being impacted by a high comparison base, the main contribution to the annual contraction came from lower production of chemicals (-12.6% y/y).

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Germany: Inflation back in the 2% area

Commerzbank Corporates & Markets
Economic Research
https://research.commerzbank.com

Economic Briefing
Germany: Inflation back in the 2% area

German consumer prices surprisingly rose 0.2% month-on-month in June. Food prices were up significantly once again, probably at least in part due to the floods in Germany. Numerous services became more expensive as well. This development seems to be a consequence of strong wage growth. The rate of inflation jumped from 1.5% in May to 1.9% in June.

Kind regards,

Ulrike Rondorf

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Brookfield overtakes CBRE as top real estate manager

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/beb522f2-da80-11e2-a237-00144feab7de.html#axzz2ovCeaSgm

June 23, 2013 4:57 am
Brookfield overtakes CBRE as top real estate manager
By Steve Johnson

Los Angeles-based CBRE Global Investors has lost its position as the world’s largest real estate fund manager.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Bay Area Office Market Still Hot

http://sf.uli.org/san-francisco/bay-area-office-market-still-hot/

Bay Area Office Market Still Hot
Posted on June 20, 2013 by ULI

On Tuesday, June 11 well over two hundred industry enthusiasts gathered at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco to hear the office sector’s finest professionals opine on market conditions as well as inform attendees about their current projects.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Melbourne Docklands New Home to Marsh & Mclennon Companies' Third Largest Office

MELBOURNE DOCKLANDS NEW HOME TO MARSH & MCLENNON COMPANIES' THIRD LARGEST OFFICE

Australia, Melbourne
Publication date: 17 June 2013

Melbourne is now home to Marsh & McLennan Companies’ (NYSE: MMC) third largest office worldwide, behind only New York and London. The relocation of the Melbourne headquarters of Mercer, Marsh, Guy Carpenter and Oliver Wyman to the newly-built Collins Square development at 727 Collins Street adds further support to Docklands’ claim of being Melbourne’s financial services hub.

http://www.mercer.com/press-releases/office-move-docklands

Monday, June 17, 2013

Melbourne office market weakness to be sustained beyond 2013 – New BIS Shrapnel report

Melbourne office market weakness to be sustained beyond 2013 – New BIS Shrapnel report
by BIS Shrapnel

The new BIS Shrapnel Melbourne Commercial Property Prospects 2013-2023 report reveals sustained weakness in the Melbourne office market.

http://www.infolink.com.au/c/BIS-Shrapnel/Melbourne-office-market-weakness-to-be-sustained-beyond-2013-New-BIS-Shrapnel-report-n2502654

Friday, June 7, 2013

European CRE funding gap down 42% as non-banks take over – DTZ

Property Investor Europe News
European CRE funding gap down 42% as non-banks take over – DTZ

06 June 2013, 06:24 AM

Europe’s net debt funding gap for commercial real estate in 2013-2014 has fallen by 42% to $50bn over the past six months due to continued bank de-leveraging and strongly growing non-bank lending, says realtor DTZ.

http://www.pie-mag.com/articles/5503/european-cre-funding-gap-down-42-as-non-banks-take-over-dtz/

Thursday, June 6, 2013

China's Jinchuan May Halve Its Copper Supply

CHINA NEWS
June 6, 2013, 5:30 a.m. ET
China's Jinchuan May Halve Its Copper Supply
The Company's Force Majeure Will Likely Push Copper Prices, Premiums Higher

By CLEMENTINE WALLOP And YUE LI

A major Chinese copper producer has declared force majeure at one of its smelters, in a move that is likely to halve the amount of metal it supplies to customers for the next few months.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324299104578528731246475470.html

Will Green Shoots Flourish in U.S. and Latin America?

A new Secular Outlook Series Q&A with Josh Thimons and Lupin Rahman is available on pimco.com.

Will Green Shoots Flourish in U.S. and Latin America?

· The U.S. economy is much further along the road to repair relative to its developed market peers, but it is still dealing with an unsustainable fiscal situation.

· Latin America is closely coupled to the rest of the world. What happens in the U.S., China and Europe over the secular horizon is especially critical.

· Our secular investment outlook calls for a more defensive posture toward risk. In U.S. fixed income, this suggests positioning for alpha rather than capital appreciation. And given increasing differentiation across Latin America, investors should stay consistently aware of credit risks.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

How Shinzo Abe could win the Nobel Peace Prize

June 3, 2013 5:50 pm
How Shinzo Abe could win the Nobel Peace Prize
By James Clad and Robert Manning

A grand gesture will endear Japan to its neighbours, say James Clad and Robert Manning

Shinzo Abe has summoned the ghosts of nationalism in the Pacific. Neighbouring countries are worried by the Japanese prime minister’s revisionism concerning the historical behaviour of his country. The impact of this on Sino-Japanese relations tends to receive most attention in the western media. But there is also an increasingly fractious relationship between Japan and South Korea. Here, though, Mr Abe can and should make a bold move to dramatically improve his standing and transform the region.

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/d22d9bb2-cc2e-11e2-bb22-00144feab7de.html#axzz2VI5rN4LG

Money, Chinese Proverb


Our brothers keep careful accounts.

- Chinese Proverb

Eco Analysis - UK economy shaping up for a strong Q2 (H. Amourda, B. Hilliard)

Eco Analysis - UK economy shaping up for a strong Q2 (H. Amourda, B. Hilliard)

Very few data were released today. Spanish registered unemployment change declined by nearly 98.3k people ahead of the summer. In the UK, the BRC survey points to a rebound in sales in May while the construction PMI rose to 50.8 from 49.4 on the back of a strong jump in the housing component. On Wednesday, we expect the May services PMI to post some strong gains in Spain and Italy, while the divergence between the euro area and the UK should pause in May.