Vacancy rates a tale of two cities

Vacancy rates a tale of two cities

February 7, 2013
Carolyn Cummins
Commercial Property Editor

The lack of new buildings in Sydney and too many in Melbourne has led to a dramatic difference in office vacancy rates since July last year.

http://news.domain.com.au/domain/real-estate-news/vacancy-rates-a-tale-of-two-cities-20130207-2dzt2.html

Institutional Investors in Real Estate Target Debt Funds

Thursday, February 07, 2013 2:22:08 PM
Institutional Investors in Real Estate Target Debt Funds

Debt funds are being featured more prominently in the private real estate industry, data firm Preqin has claimed.

(February 7, 2013) -- Institutional investors are increasingly interested in the value that real estate debt can add to their existing portfolios, Preqin has revealed.

According to the data firm, a growing number of institutions believe that these funds can generate returns with a lower level of risk than equity investments in real estate. Consequently, a significant number of investors plan to commit to funds with a debt strategy in 2013.

http://www.ai-cio.com/channel/NEWSMAKERS/Institutional_Investors_in_Real_Estate_Target_Debt_Funds.html

The Real Estate Debt Fund Market - February 2013

The Real Estate Debt Fund Market - February 2013

Recent years have seen debt funds feature more prominently in the private real estate industry, with many firms diversifying their businesses to include specialist debt platforms and a growing number of fund managers incorporating the acquisition or origination of real estate debt into their existing investment strategies. As the availability of bank financing has fallen in the US and Europe, many fund managers, alongside other non-traditional lenders, are increasingly stepping in to help fill the funding gap.

https://www.preqin.com/blog/101/6189/re-debt-fund-market

70 per cent of London offices sold in 2012 went to foreign buyers

70 per cent of London offices sold in 2012 went to foreign buyers

05 February 2013

Today Knight Frank unveiled its latest analysis and forecasts for the central London office market at the Dorchester Hotel. Key points were:

http://www.knightfrank.com/news/70-per-cent-of-london-offices-sold-in-2012-went-to-foreign-buyers-01595.aspx

Bill Winters, ex-investment banking head at JPMorgan, seems to be hiring

http://news.efinancialcareers.com/uk-en/133810/so-you-want-to-work-for-bill-winters/

Bill Winters, ex-investment banking head at JPMorgan, seems to be hiring
by Sarah Butcher
6 February 2013

Yesterday’s appearance of a tanned and erudite (if not entirely relaxed) Bill Winters in front of the UK Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards, was a reminder that the popular JP Morgan banker hasn’t faded into obscurity as Jamie Dimon might have hoped.

The City That Oil Built Gets a Retrofit for The Latest Gusher

The City That Oil Built Gets a Retrofit for The Latest Gusher

02/5/2013

HOUSTON -- On the outskirts of this sprawling city's core, Royal Dutch Shell PLC is in the midst of a major expansion of its corporate offices.

http://www.energycorridor.org/news/news-list/news-item?title=the-city-that-oil-built-gets-a-retrofit-for-the-latest-gusher

Chile: Robust economic performance continued in December

Chile: Robust economic performance continued in December

Florencia Vazquez - Market Economics
Latam Macro Snapshot | 05 Feb 2013 14:03 | 42 Kb

Economic activity was reported to have advanced 4.7% y/y in December according to the monthly proxy for real GDP (Imacec) unveiled by the central bank. Performance stood fairly in line with our forecast and visibly ahead of the Bloomberg consensus (4.8% and 3.7% y/y, respectively).

First Insights: China: Government announces reform plan to improve income distribution

First Insights: China: Government announces reform plan to improve income distribution

The Chinese government announced its plan to reform income distribution today. This is an important reform plan which has been debated by the government for many years. Our comments:

High-Yield Bond ETFs: Rush for the Exits?

High-Yield Bond ETFs: Rush for the Exits?
February 5th at 1:00pm by John Spence

The cash outflows in the largest junk bond ETFs such as iShares iBoxx High Yield Corporate Bond (NYSEArca: HYG) and SPDR Barclays High Yield Bond (NYSEArca: JNK) have analysts wondering whether the pullback is a healthy correction after a strong rally, or a sign of something more serious in credit markets.

http://www.etftrends.com/2013/02/high-yield-bond-etfs-rush-for-the-exits/

Sabine Pass Liquefaction Closes USD 1.5 Billion Private Placement, USA

Sabine Pass Liquefaction Closes USD 1.5 Billion Private Placement, USA
Posted on Feb 4th, 2013

Cheniere Energy Partners said that its wholly owned subsidiary, Sabine Pass Liquefaction, has closed the previously announced private placement of $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of its 5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2021.

http://www.lngworldnews.com/sabine-pass-liquefaction-closes-usd-1-5-billion-private-placement-usa/