Q1 2026 CRE Quarterly Economic Briefing: Prospects Brighten
Following a challenging 2025 — marked by muted sales and leasing activity in the face of economic and sector‑specific uncertainty — 2026 is opening with greater clarity and a more constructive outlook for commercial real estate.
This on‑demand briefing reviews finalized year‑end 2025 data and provides a forward‑looking assessment of CRE performance as market conditions begin to stabilize. The session highlights demand drivers across major property types and discusses how shifting macroeconomic forces are shaping expectations for 2026.
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SpeakersThomas LaSalvia, PhD Head of Commercial Real Estate Economics Moody's Analytics
Kevin Fagan Senior Director, Head of CRE Economic Analysis Moody's Analytics
Lu Chen Director of Housing Research Moody's Analytics
Ermengarde Jabir, PhD Director of Economic Research Moody's Analytics
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Thomas P LaSalvia, Ph.D. is the Head of Commercial Real Estate Economics at Moody's Analytics. Thomas, a former professor, brings his pedagogical prowess to his extensive research into the marketplace, with a specific focus on the multifamily sector. His work is frequently published in a variety of periodicals, and he spends a vast amount of time presenting his findings to a variety of industry and academic professionals. Prior to joining Moody's Analytics, he served in a consulting role for the firm while teaching classes in foundational economics and urban economics at The College of William & Mary.
Kevin is a senior director and Head of CRE Economic Analysis at Moody’s, responsible for research, thought leadership and strategic initiatives for the Moody's CRE group, with a focus on capital markets and climate risks. He’s the industry member chair of the Commercial Real Estate Finance Council ESG and Sustainability Initiative. He was formerly director of CRE and CMBS research in the Moody’s Investors Service. Prior to joining Moody’s, Kevin held CRE research roles at ING Clarion and Jones Lang LaSalle. He also practiced as a structural engineer, designing large scale commercial buildings in California. Kevin holds an MS from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a BS from the University of Texas at Austin.
Lu Chen is a Senior Economist at Moody’s Analytics specializing in Commercial Real Estate. She has worked in the commercial real estate industry in customer success capacity for over a decade. Lu has deep knowledge in urban economics and credit risk, with special focus on Texas market performance, senior housing, and urban migration.
Ermengarde Jabir PhD is a Senior Economist at Moody’s Analytics, specializing in commercial real estate. Her research interests include the intersection of REITs and the macroeconomy and she has been published in academic journals as well as industry publications. Prior to joining Moody’s Analytics, she held positions in various government agencies as well as in the private sector.