Investors may hit the pause button as the United States enters a new period of uncertainty driven by news of tariffs, deportations and government cost-cutting. This pause could last for weeks, months or even years as investors wait for clarity, said John Chang, national director of research and advisory services at Marcus & Millichap.
Last October, the U.S. economic uncertainty index was fairly low at 109, but since then it has more than doubled to 225, which is similar to the level of uncertainty during the Global Financial Crisis, said Chang. Historically, high levels of uncertainty have led to volatility in the financial markets. In such markets, commercial real estate investment offers a positive outlook.
“The durability of commercial real estate investment is particularly appealing despite the uncertainty and the risk of financial market volatility,” said Chang. “The underlying economy remains sound, with healthy GDP growth, consistent job creation, low unemployment and modest but positive inflation adjusted retail sales gains.”
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