U.S. Treasury Yield Curve Nominal and Real Q4 2015 vs. Q3 2015
At the end of the 4th quarter of 2015, U.S. Treasury yields, on a nominal basis, were slightly higher in all maturities, ranging from around 10 basis points to about 40 basis points. On a real basis, yields were only a touch higher, as the increase in nominal yields was offset by a slightly more inflationary environment.
Interest rates affect commercial real estate in numerous ways (see this, this, and this). Borrowing costs are affected directly, with higher rates increasing borrowing costs and thus negatively affecting demand. Cap rates typically move with interest rates, albeit not in lockstep, with considered analyses generally seeming to conclude that cap rates on average move in the direction of 10-year rates, but only about a third as much. Interest rates affect the economy, which in turn affects vacancy and rents. In short, the interest rate environment is highly important to commercial real estate investment.
View more yield curve quarterly snapshots.