NASHVILLE—The seniors housing REIT is "carefully evaluating" a letter from activist shareholder Jonathan Litt calling on its board "to take affirmative action to maximize the value of Brookdale for all shareholders."

PHILADELPHIA—Yet Canaccord Genuity analysts expect RevPAR growth to further decelerate before it ramps up again.

MCLEAN, VA—Investment fundamentals in the apartment sector have strengthened over three consecutive quarters, says Freddie Mac Multifamily.

NEW YORK CITY—Moody's Investors Service, Morningstar Credit Ratings and Fitch Ratings all see highlights and lowlights among maturing and newly issued CMBS deals in the coming year.

SOUTHFIELD, MI—Berkadia's Ernie Katai considers the long-term implications of the Federal Reserve's apparent new stance on rate increases from the standpoint of a lender.

LOS ANGELES—Returned merchandise from holiday e-commerce sales could reach $29 billion this year, a sum that puts pressure on both the retail and industrial sectors.

CARLSBAD, CA—Many investors remain optimistic in spite of concerns such as the economy and interest rates, says Steve Shanahan of Real Capital Markets.

LAWRENCE, KS—CREW Network's 10th annual white paper takes a closer look at what women consider the main barriers to success in the industry.