Investor Index December 19th
Deloitte Executive Tapped To Lead Freddie Mac
Freddie Mac has appointed Kenny Smith, a long-time Deloitte executive, as its new CEO effective December 17, 2025, and he will also join the company’s board of directors. Smith spent over 25 years at Deloitte, most recently leading its government and public services customer practice, and Freddie Mac’s president and former interim CEO, Mike Hutchins, said Smith’s financial services experience will be valuable to the agency. Hutchins will remain president as Smith takes the helm following a series of leadership changes influenced by Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, including the firing of former CEO Diana Reid and board turnover at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The leadership shifts come amid speculation about potential reductions in government oversight and moves toward selling shares of the government-sponsored enterprises.
Full Article: https://www.bisnow.com/national/news/capital-markets/deloitte-executive-tapped-to-lead-freddie-mac-132404
Apparel sales on the rebound despite tariffs, consumer anxiety
Apparel sales in the U.S. have shown surprising strength in 2025, with monthly retail clothing sales up year-over-year through October (except in February), and several major retailers like Gap Inc., Urban Outfitters, Abercrombie & Fitch and American Eagle Outfitters beating analyst expectations in the third quarter despite tariff pressures and ongoing consumer anxiety; this rebound is partly attributed to shoppers shifting away from pandemic-era wardrobes and continuing to spend on clothing even amid broader economic concerns.
Full Article: https://www.retaildive.com/news/apparel-sales-rebound-despite-tariffs-consumer-anxiety/807642/
Private Investors Drive Single-Tenant Retail Sales Recovery
The U.S. single-tenant retail investment sales market is showing a notable recovery in 2025, with transaction volume up roughly 18% year-to-date and private investors driving the rebound by accounting for about 71% of total dollar volume, far outpacing foreign buyers, REITs and institutional capital; this surge reflects renewed confidence and heightened activity in the net-leased retail segment after recent downturns, signaling improved alignment between buyers and sellers and strengthening investor interest in retail real estate assets.
Full Article: https://www.globest.com/amp/2025/12/18/private-investors-drive-single-tenant-retail-sales-recovery/