Disappointing Jobs and Housing Numbers Raise Fears that the Economy may be Decelerating

HOUSTON, April 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- While the March jobs report rebounded somewhat with 192,000, the overall economic acceleration is being questioned, according to the April edition of "the BRIEFING Lite" report compiled by Transwestern.

In addition to the disappointing jobs and housing numbers reported early this year, the fourth quarter gross domestic product (GDP) has actually been revised down to 2.4 percent compared to early reports of 3.2 percent. Holiday shopping came in at 2.2 percent, well below the initial report of 3.3 percent.

The European Union, on the other hand, has confidence in a recovery economy, shown by the European Central Bank's decision to provide no additional stimulus. The bank has pledged "decisive action" if needed to protect the euro-zone recovery.

China continues to show signs of a slowing economy, evidenced by the slight downward movement in the country's GDP. China's fourth quarter GDP came in at 7.7 percent, but it is projected to continue its slow slide to 7.5 percent in the first quarter and down to 7.1 percent in the second quarter.

Commercial real estate remains a preferred asset class for investors, supported by a robust private equity fundraising atmosphere.

More information can be found in Transwestern's April issue of "the BRIEFING Lite," a monthly publication analyzing the national economy, capital markets and commercial real estate. Download the full report here: http://www.transwestern.net/public/corporate/Briefing/theBRIEFING_04-2041.pdf  

"The BRIEFING" is an aggregation by Tom McNearney, Transwestern chief investment officer, of other articles and reports. McNearney leads Transwestern's capital market efforts for development and investment nationwide. McNearney also serves on the firm's investment committee and board of directors, and he directs the execution and expansion of the firm's principal investment activities across the country.

ABOUT TRANSWESTERN
Transwestern is a privately held real estate firm specializing in agency leasing, property and facilities management, tenant advisory, capital markets, research and sustainability. The fully integrated global enterprise leverages competencies in office, industrial, retail, multifamily and healthcare properties to add value for investors, owners and occupiers of real estate. As a member of the Transwestern family of companies, the firm capitalizes on market insights and operational expertise of independent affiliates specializing in development, real estate investment management and research. Transwestern has
34 U.S. offices and assists clients through more than 181 offices in 40 countries as part of a strategic alliance with Paris-based BNP Paribas Real Estate. For more information, please visit transwestern.com and follow us on Twitter: @Transwestern.

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SOURCE Transwestern