Resurrection of confidence in economy - but will it last?

Jim Paulsen with Wells Fargo is the ultimate optimist who anticipates 3% economic growth this year and a definite turn around in 2012.


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Are You Ready for Inflation?

It seems a little premature to be thinking about inflation especially with the Fed maintaining an all-time low in interest rates, commodity prices dropping and labor costs also staying low. However the Worldwide economy seems to be a macro copy of the stalled US situation, also with Government debt piles mounting by the day, something has to happen and it could well be rampant inflation.

Meltdown?

This article really covers what the likely scenarios are for the World Economy and more specifically the US Economy. From a Real Estate perspective this  definitely presents an opportunity for future acquisitions. With tighter lending standards, the “restructuring” of Fannie and Freddie in essence meaning phasing out, and flattening of the economy, there will be new buying conditions that will present lower price points but also a need to dig deeper for funding.  

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Double Dip?

For those worried about a double dip recession, well there is good news...and bad. The good news is that it would probably take a significant shock to knock the economy off course. The bad news it that in this current environment, there are a lot of possible shocks. Most economist feel the economy will right itself. They argue that the recent rough patch is temporary and due to three things:

1. Supply-chain disruptions caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan
2. Severe weather and flooding in the Southeast and Midwest
3. The recent ease of high gasoline prices

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Stuck in Neutral?

An interesting piece by David R. Pascale, Jr. He states flat economic reports has markets in a static state and that no new significant policies are being considered. Furthermore the treasury yields have settled in at 2011 lows. He also refers to another recent column where the "new normal" may mean flat growth and high unemployment.

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Mobile Home Parks: A Stable Investment?

Warren Buffet is known for loving all things low in cost but high in value, and mobile home parks seem to fit the criteria. Buffet is the largest owner of mobile home manufacturing and financing in the United States, and there is a reason why. He sees the lower end of the market as a stable investment.
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U.S. Economy Holding Strong?

An interesting opinion into the strength of the U.S. economy. It doesn’t paint a very bright picture.
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“Luxury Tax” Hopes to Cool Property Market

Taiwan wants to pass a luxury tax in order to try and curtail wide spread property speculation and the worst wealth gap in a decade. The Taiwanese people support the move while real estate agents and the property sector do not. What do you think? You be the judge.


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China to designate RMB clearing bank in Singapore

The People's Bank of China is looking to Singapore to internationalize the Renminbi with the goal of facilitating trade between China and southeast Asian countries.

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Ten Things of Know When Starting A Fund?

All of us in this business want to be principals. Now is the time to buy, but how do you raise the dough? Learn more.

Trophy Investors Snag 9900 Wilshire for $148 million

The International players are back. This high profile property in Beverly Hills originally purchased by a British group in '07 for $500 million just sold for $148 million with a Singapore Buyer... read full article.

2010 CMBS Modifications Outnumber the Last 2 Years Combined

Sign of further loan modifications for sellers and possibly buyers. http://bit.ly/cfxg4X

Recession Lessons

Great article about how five brokers have adapted their practice to survive the downturn. Read More

GDP at 5.7%

The U.S. economy surged at the end of 2009, driven more by slower inventory liquidation than by consumer spending. Gross domestic product rose at a seasonally adjusted 5.7% annual rate from October through December, the Commerce Department said Friday in its first estimate of fourth-quarter GDP.

GDP has gone up two straight quarters, rising 2.2% in the third quarter after a year of contraction. In all of 2009, GDP fell 2.4%, the biggest drop for an entire year since 10.9% in 1946.

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