CBRE's Richard Barkham, global chief economist, discusses the US economy's resilience, inflation's impact on interest rates, cap rates and IRRs stabilization trend, low retail vacancy rates, and the effects of global turmoil on commercial real estate and cross-border investments.
CBRE has moderated its recession prediction but still expects weaker growth in Q4 and Q1 due to factors such as the impact of the CHPS Act and the IRA Act, prompt action by the Fed and FDIC, fiscal stimulus, and low mortgage rates.
Rising interest rates and oil prices could still pose a pressure on the US economy, affecting real estate values, and the economist predicts that the Fed may have overtightened by Q2 of next year.
Deep dives
Resilience of US Economy and Outlook for Commercial Real Estate
Despite predictions of a recession in 2022, the US economy has shown resilience. CBRE has moderated its recession call but expects weaker growth in Q4 and Q1. Factors contributing to the economy's resilience include the impact of the CHPS Act and the IRA Act in boosting manufacturing and construction activity, prompt action by the Fed and FDIC in stabilizing the banking sector during times of stress, fiscal stimulus from ballooning government deficits, and consumers shielding themselves from rising interest rates through low mortgage rates. However, rising interest rates and oil prices could still pressure the economy.
Federal Reserve's Approach and Impact on Real Estate
While US inflation is close to the Federal Reserve's target, interest rates continue to rise. The economist predicts that once inflation drops and inflation expectations decrease, the Fed may cut rates to alleviate real interest rate pressure. However, in the intermediate period, real interest rates will increase, affecting real estate values. The economist suggests that the Fed may have overtightened by Q2 of next year. The recent spike in Treasury yields and lack of clarity surrounding inflation could further impact the market.
Banking System, Regional Banks, and Real Estate Lending
Approximately 250 regional banks are expected to fail over the next few years but are not considered a danger to the banking system. However, their troubles could act as a headwind for real estate lending, affecting capital market activity. The economist believes that big banks and other financial institutions will step in to prevent a crisis, as they did during the Great Financial Crisis. The fragility of the banking system and the rise in interest rates may be constraints on real estate investment and lending.
On this episode, CBRE's Richard Barkham, who is the brokerage's global chief economist and global head of research. He is talking over why the brokerage has moderated -- but not removed -- its recession prediction and his view on the where interest rates are headed. Also on the episode, distress in office and the impressive turnaround of retail.