David AuBuchon, senior research analyst for the Milwaukee-basedcompany, tells GlobeSt.com that "I doubt any market in the US willshow material rent growth this year." Logically, some will be hitharder than others by the financial markets turmoil that began withthe subprime housing loans and has spread throughout theeconomy.

AuBuchon cites government employment data and other economicreports to show that "we are in the midst of a weakening officeenvironment." He estimates that the downturn, which began in latesummer 2007, could last another six to 12 months, a period that hedescribes as shorter than typical for such a slump.

AuBuchon's report warns of potential problem markets New YorkCity, Chicago, suburban New Jersey and Connecticut. It also pointsout some markets are showing strength because they aresignificantly less dependent on finance-related tenants. Amongthose are San Diego, Seattle, Tampa Bay, Houston and Atlanta.