Commercial real estate’s problems: Beyond any rescue?
The U.S. government has pulled off a lot of bailouts recently, but in the deepening problems of commercial real estate, it might have met its match. It increasingly looks as if the government might have to just stand by and let bondholders and banks take huge losses on the nation’s $3.4 trillion of deteriorating debt secured by commercial properties. The problem starts with voters. When it comes to wooing votes, giving a helping hand to bondholders doesn’t work nearly as well as trying to keep families from losing their homes to foreclosure. The Wall Street Journal (11/19)(Subscription may be required)
Commercial property optimism said to be boosting banks
The word among the panelists on CNBC’s “Word on the Street” program was regional banks are gaining because the picture is brightening in the commercial real estate sector. Commercial property has a disproportionate impact on regional banks because they have significant exposure to commercial mortgages. The successful CMBS offering by Developers Diversified Realty was offered as evidence that “REITs are able to refinance.” 
CNBC
Shopping center REITs report third-quarter increase in leasing demand
Shopping center REITs reported an increase in leasing activity in the third quarter. “I think we saw signs of stabilization. Sequential occupancy increases were somewhat encouraging,” said Robert McMillan, an analyst with Standard & Poor’s Equity Research Services. “Some of the big-box space that has been vacated is being leased, so once demand picks up, that should help pricing.” RetailTrafficMag.com