SAN FRANCISCO—“Strengthening fundamentals throughout North America support a positive forecast” between now and 2017, says Maria Sicola, head of research for the Americas group at Cushman & Wakefield.

LOS ANGELES—CBRE says multifamily investment for 2014 topped 2007's total; Axiometrics' Stephanie McCleskey sees the prior year's market dynamics continuing “for several reasons.”

WASHINGTON, DC—A new generation of distribution centers is being developed expressly to support high-volume package through-put, write IMS Worldwide's Curtis Spencer and Steve Schellenberg in a NAIOP Research Foundation white paper.

CALABASAS, CA—“The trends are building momentum, especially for the property types that have lagged behind through the recovery so far,” says Hessam Nadji, chief strategy officer at Marcus & Millichap.

SEATTLE—However, even as market conditions iimprove, “Saving a down payment, qualifying for a mortgage and finding an affordable home to buy all remain formidable challenges for many,” says Zillow economist Stan Humphries.

RIO DE JANEIRO—Although economists have lowered their near-term outlook for the country, Tishman Speyer maintains “great confidence in the long-term vitality of Brazil,” says the firm's Rob Speyer.

NEW YORK CITY—It's the biggest separate-account deal for MetLife Real Estate Investors since a $5-billion commitment from SunTrust Banks in 2013.

NEW YORK CITY—“Our collaboration across geographies and services resulted in record revenue and profitability,” says Edward C. Forst, Cushman & Wakefield's president and CEO.