Economist Peter Linneman delivered a pragmatic assessment of the economy during a recent Walker Webcast at Institutional Real Estate, Inc. (IREI)’s VIP Americas event in a market grappling with high interest rates, uneven fundamentals and economic cross currents. In a conversation with Willy Walker, Walker & Dunlop CEO, Linneman offered a sharp, data-driven view of macroeconomic conditions and their implications for commercial real estate investors.
No recession, but not roaring growth either
Despite concerns about consumer confidence, Linneman emphasized the U.S. economy remains fundamentally sound. He pointed to record holiday retail spending, strong employment data and low unemployment insurance claims. Job growth has slowed, but the primary culprits are not demand-side issues, but diminished immigration and corporate caution amid global uncertainty.
“We are moving forward,” Linneman said. “Not booming, but we are not in decline.
