Fed Warns of Two Bubbles

Hidden in recent Fed remarks by Yellen, are fears that CDM and CRE are bubbles.

comm_real_estate_2015

CRE stands for Commercial Real Estate. In terms of CRE prices and change, the above chart from Gerdau shows investments across the country are soaring.

For example the General Motors building just sold for an amount that values it at $3.4 billion, the most expensive office building in the United States.

Also William Ackman and other investors purchased a penthouse apartment at One57 in Manhattan for over $90 million, the highest price ever paid in New York City, as an investment to flip for a profit.

The CRE bubble did not burst in 2008, but evidently is bigger now.

corp_debt_mkt_2015

CDM stands for Corporate Debt Markets also known as Debt Capital Markets. In terms of CDM, the above chart by Dealogic, dated February 5th, 2015, shows a 30% increase in the spread for the year.

Specifically, the average spread to benchmark on 30-year global debt issuance peaked at 193bps in January 2015, a 30% increase on January 2014 (148bps), marking the highest monthly average benchmark spread since October 2009 (206bps).

Here is exactly what the Fed minutes said on 2/19/2015.

“However, the staff report noted valuation pressures in some asset markets. Such pressures were most notable in corporate debt markets (CDMs), despite some easing in recent months. In addition, valuation pressures appear to be building in the CRE sector.”

At least the Fed is aware of the bubbles and not totally focused on interest rates.

 

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