The adoption of electric vehicles has grown tremendously over the past year and a half. The trend will accelerate as consumer demand, which is being fueled by higher gasoline prices, tax incentives, funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, and the increased desire for environmental sustainability, continues to rise. For commercial real estate, the boost in electric vehicle use will create immense opportunities, as EV charging stations become sought after additions to properties ranging from multifamily dwellings to retail centers. … READ MORE >
Real estate
U.S. housing starts continue to fall amid rate hikes
New housing starts fell by 8.1% in September as the impact of rising mortgage rates worked through the housing market. … READ MORE >
Accounting for climate risks in business decisions
Businesses of all kinds, not just the insurance industry, must account for climate-related physical risks and factor them into strategic decisions. … READ MORE >
Pending home sales fall to their lowest level since April 2020
Pending home sales in the United States fell by 2% in August, the third straight monthly decline amid a steep rise in mortgage rates. … READ MORE >
Canada housing starts fall amid rising rates
Canada’s housing starts fell to 267,443 in August, a 3% drop from July, continuing the decline in the housing sector because of rising interest rates. … READ MORE >
Core capital goods investments grow while pending home sales fall
Although the top-line durable goods orders number remained flat on the month in July, core capital goods orders increased by 0.4%, beating estimates. In a separate report, pending home sales fell by 1% in July. … READ MORE >
New home sales down 40% this year to lowest level since 2016
New home sales extended this year’s slump by dropping 12.6% in July to 511,000 annualized, following a 7.1% drop in June. … READ MORE >
Existing home sales fall below pre-pandemic level as initial jobless claims hold steady
Existing home sales fell in July to their lowest level since 2020 amid elevated mortgage rates as the Federal Reserve continued to hike interest rates. Sales dropped 5.9% to 4.81 million annualized, marking the sixth straight month of market contraction. … READ MORE >
Consumer confidence drops as new home sales slump
Consumer confidence continued to fall in July to the lowest level since February 2021 amid inflation angst and an economic slowdown. Sales of new homes fell by 8.1% in June. … READ MORE >
Existing home sales continued its slump, down 21% in 2022
Existing home sales fell for the fifth straight month as the housing market cooled significantly amid steep rises in mortgage rates and housing prices. … READ MORE >