The decline of oil pump prices began with the sharp plunge in June 2014 from $107 per barrel to $26 per barrel in February 2016, a 22-year low. In January 2017, prices at the pump reached a low of $2.05 nationwide. Commercial real estate investors in Missouri may benefit from learning that the decrease in oil prices has negatively impacted the markets that benefit from this industry, including the commercial real estate market.
Federal Reserve concerned about CRE loan exposure
Missouri commercial real estate developers who have projects in development or need to refinance existing loans are likely aware that the Federal Reserve has been monitoring bank lending in this sector very carefully. After the 2008 recession, the nation's central banking system introduced what has come to be known as a "stress test," which was created to determine whether the country's largest banks have sufficient capital to make it through another downturn. The procedure became codified when the Dodd-Frank Act was enacted in 2010.
Commercial real estate market may be overheating
Commercial real estate values in Missouri and around the country have climbed sharply in recent years, and this has many industry experts worried. Data from leading investment firms indicate that commercial property prices in the United States are now 20 percent higher than they were in 2008, but a looming glut of multi-family properties and a noticeable weakening of the commercial rental markets in major cities are major concerns. Historically low interest rates have fueled borrowing and investment, but the U.S. Federal Reserve has warned about the kind of irresponsible lending practices that led to the financial crisis and collapse of the residential real estate market.
Univision pulls stations from Charter Communications' lineup
Missourians might be interested in learning about what is happening with the ongoing dispute between Univision and Charter Communications. According to news sources, Univision pulled its stations in several major markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and elsewhere, from Charter on Jan. 31.
