The index is a snapshot analysis that ranks 38 retail markets based on aseries of 12-month forward-looking supply and demand indicators.Detroit ranked No. 36 in the NRI standings, down six places from theprevious year. Although the Detroit retail market is near the bottom of thesurvey, the area's vacancy rate is one of the lowest among major Midwesternmarkets, keeping investor interest high and elevating sales prices.

The Washington, D.C., market topped the NRI for the second year in a row.The top-ranked markets are typically characterized by low vacancies,prospects for rental growth, limited new development, and solid employmentand household growth.

High vacancy rates and a lackluster economic outlook contributed toCleveland's ranking (No. 38) at the bottom of the index.