The general investor’s mood is more risk-averse that it once was, writes Colliers International in its Global Economic Outlook for 2013. “A year ago, investors were more optimistic about the European economy and not so preoccupied with the American fiscal cliff. Yet, despite this mood swing, we believe that there is much to be positive about in the coming year,” says Mark Charlton, the company’s head of research and forecasting.
The report outlines five key global predictions for 2013. Colliers forecasts that the United States’ GDP growth will stumble and then recover. The report also predicts labor disputes will cause trade disruptions in ports around the US, China and the Panama Canal. Spain, Greece and France will also likely see labor flare-ups this years. Meanwhile, Colliers predicts India’s GDP will surpass expectations, and China will offer new opportunities for development and see rising demand for warehouse distribution space. Mexico’s economic growth will likely outpace U.S. and Canada, according to the Colliers report. Mexico’s emerging market has seen three years of continuous growth and is expected to grow by more than 3 percent this year.
