Market Rebound—Too Much Too Fast? Trade Hopes Rise, CRE Activity Up, Fed Holds Back

The CRE Weekly Digest by LightBox

Does the first U.S. trade deal signal an off-ramp to global trade tensions? Stocks surged on news of the UK agreement, but other indicators suggest the market’s ebullience may be front-running reality. And the Fed knows it. Martha Coacher, Manus Clancy, and Dianne Crocker break down the signals that may impact CRE. From lighter cargo ships at the Port of Los Angeles to persistent uncertainty in corporate earnings, warning signs run counter to renewed optimism. The team flags a shift from April’s panic to May’s complacency, cautioning that investors may be underestimating looming supply disruptions and price hikes. Despite the volatility, CRE transaction activity continues—the latest LightBox CRE Activity Index rose to 109 in April, its highest reading in nearly three years. The pace has slowed, but momentum remains steady. The team unpacks what’s behind the numbers, including valuations, broker activity, and some deal delays tied to equity gaps and shifting expectations. There’s plenty to dive into: Amazon and Nvidia are making bold office bets, Brookfield is raising billions to target distressed assets, and overall deal volume is holding surprisingly steady. And yes—if the coffee supply chain falters, Manus warns it won’t just rattle sentiment. It’ll be an anvil to the head.

00:16 Trade Deal Optimism

01:13 Market Sentiment Ahead of Reality?

02:50 Impact of Tariffs and Supply Chain Disruptions

09:04 Federal Reserve Decision: Groundhog Day?

11:41 LightBox CRE Activity Index Up

20:03 Noteworthy Sales and Green Shoots

28:16 Financing and Proof of Liquidity

37:13 Listener Comments

Have questions for the pod team? Send them to [email protected].

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