Economic Data Show Potential for Rebound, But Dependent on Continued Reopening

Economic data released last week show a lot of potential for rebound—as long as the reopening can continue to proceed, according to Nareit Senior Economist Calvin Schnure.Speaking July 20 on the Nareit REIT Report podcast, Schnure highlighted the range of economic indicators for June that were reported, including industrial production, retail sales, and housing starts. Those numbers underscore the possibility of getting the economy back to where it was before the pandemic, but “only as long as the virus is under control,” he said. News that the virus is surging in parts of the United States is creating tension in the market and threatens a pause or partial reversal of economic gains.Schnure also discussed the potential for another round of stimulus. While details remain unclear at this point, the expiration of extended unemployment benefits at the end of this month gives some pressure to meet that deadline, he noted.