U.S. commercial property in a downward spiral (International Herald Tribune)
With job cuts rampant and businesses retrenching, more empty office space is expected from New York to Chicago to Los Angeles in the coming year.

PRESS RELEASE: Fitch Downgrades Triton CMBS (Nasdaq)
UK commercial property values have declined significantly since the transaction closed, while the securitised portions of the loans do not amortise, resulting in increased balloon repayment risk.

As Vacant Office Space Grows, So Does Lenders Crisis (The Hendersonville Times-News)
Rising vacancy rates across the country could make it hard for building owners to pay their mortgages.

REIT taps new head of development and construction (BizJournals)
Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT) has appointed Wayne Lingafelter to serve as president of COPT Development and Construction Services (CDCS) and Corporate Development Services (CDS). He replaces Dwight S. Taylor, who is retiring. (OFC)

Birmingham Economic Forecast: Commercial Real Estate (BizJournals)
Nonexistent credit for companies and mounting job losses will make 2009 a tough year for the commercial real estate industry, experts say.

China PBOC Official: Agencies Discussing Plan For REIT Trial (Nasdaq)
BEIJING -(Dow Jones)- China's government agencies are discussing a plan to launch a trial for real estate investment trusts, a senior central bank official said Tuesday.