Boom times expected for U.S. commercial real estate

Next year could be "one of the strongest years on record" for the U.S. commercial real estate industry, according to a market outlook released Wednesday by CBRE, the world's biggest commercial real estate servicer and investment firm.

Why it matters: Commercial real estate activity is a leading economic indicator, and growth in the sector translates to more jobs and investments in local communities.

Details: "Amid slower economic growth and global uncertainty, U.S. commercial real estate will remain a haven for investment in 2020," the report predicts.

• Factors cited for CBRE's bullishness: low inflation, low-interest rates, strong consumer spending, increased capital flows into the sector and solid property fundamentals.

Yes, but: "Uncertainty surrounding trade negotiations, weakness in manufacturing and the approach of the presidential election season," are risks to the industry's growth, according to a release.

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