The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the U.S. economy added 611,000 jobs during the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to 384,000 jobs during the third quarter, which was impacted by several major hurricanes. Employment growth topped two million in 2017, when the U.S. labor market added nearly 2.1 million new jobs, compared with a gain of 2.2 million in 2016. The unemployment rate continued to trend lower, ending the fourth quarter at 4.1%, down from 4.2% in the third quarter and 4.7% at year-end 2016. Finance and professional & business services are the primary drivers of office space demand. The financial services sector added 21,000 jobs as compared to 33,000 in the third quarter of 2017, while the professional and business services sector added 115,000 jobs compared to 120,000 previously. According to data from CB Richard Ellis Econometric Advisors (“CBRE-EA”), increasing supply contributed to an increase in the national office vacancy rate to 13% in the fourth quarter, as compared to 12.9% in the third quarter. Vacancy rates declined in 30 of the 63 markets tracked by CBRE-EA. The national industrial availability rate remained essentially the same in the third quarter at 7.4%. CBRE-EA noted that supply is beginning to catch up to strong demand. Overall, availability rates decreased in 28 of the 64 industrial markets tracked by CBRE-EA. Continuing strength in domestic economic fundamentals including a labor market that is close to capacity, a modest uptick in wage growth, and a confident consumer base suggest that the industrial sector’s already extended growth cycle still has some room to run. The national apartment vacancy rate increased to 4.9% in fourth quarter 2017 from 4.8% in fourth quarter 2016. Of the 65 apartment markets tracked by CBRE-EA, data indicates that vacancy rates increased in 39 markets, and remained unchanged in three. Market conditions are expected to continue to soften as new supply delivers, however many markets have room to tighten. Generally, the U.S. economy continues to support strong rental demand and solid growth, but the evolving balance of supply and demand is likely to lead to further moderation in rent growth. Preliminary data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that retail sales excluding motor vehicles and parts increased 2.6% during fourth quarter 2017 as compared to third quarter 2017. Availability rates increased to 9.6% for the fourth quarter as compared to 9.5% during third quarter, and a 50 bps increase from fourth quarter 2016. Retail market conditions have been challenged by declining brick and mortar sales and changing consumerism. Note: Data subject to revision
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