Below you'll find our roundup of the best news and developments across the web, covering everything from real estate highlights to climate change, city developments, and urban planning.

From The House of SORTIS

Unlocking Investment Gems: Boutique Beyond Giants

Delve into the world of boutique asset managers, uncovering fee advantages, deeper insights, better performance, and adaptability. Can boutique firms outshine industry giants in delivering superior returns? Read More.

Fin Frontiers

America Is Still Headed For A Soft Landing

Navigating Economic Crossroads: Inflation's Retreat or Growth's Reprise?

Despite lingering inflation, signs of economic slowdown emerge. Retail sales stall, jobs growth slows, prompting speculation of Fed rate cuts. Will the economy maintain its balance? Read More.

Biden_s veto bodes ill for US eco0nomy and job market

Consumer Gloom vs. Economic Boom: What's the Truth?

Despite positive economic indicators, the latest University of Michigan survey shows a 13% drop in consumer sentiment, driven by inflation, high interest rates, and unemployment concerns. Why the disconnect? Read More.

Real Estate Highlights

Housing Market Map Shows States With Fastest Growing Demand

Housing Boom in Unexpected Places: What's Driving Demand?

Housing demand surged in the Midwest and South in 2024, with Maine leading at 31.1%. High prices and mortgage rates strain affordability, but why are buyers flocking to these regions? Read More.

The Fed’s housing market dilemma, as told by one chart

Rent Reality Check: Unraveling the Rental Market

Amid media focus on cooling rental markets, single-family rents surge while multifamily rents soften. What drives this divergence, and how does it shape the housing landscape? Read More.

CRE Corner

Big-name funds pile into real estate debt as banks retreat

Investors Double Down: Real Estate Debt Surge—Why Now?4

Major investors like PGIM, LaSalle, and Brookfield are increasing commercial property lending, focusing on logistics and high-end offices. Are these alternative lenders poised to profit as real estate markets recover? Read More.

Corporate real estate is on a _cliff edge_ as firms race to rethink communal spaces

Office Exodus: Reinventing City Centers

As businesses shrink their office spaces in the hybrid-work era, urban centers face a transformation. Will empty offices become luxury flats with no daylight or opportunities for vibrant, mixed-use developments? Read More.

Metropolitan Matters

Sponge Cities Are the Future of Urban Flood Mitigation

Rainfall's Fury: Cities Adapting? Discover Sponge Cities

With intense rainfall events increasing due to climate change, U.S. cities are piloting "sponge city" techniques to mitigate urban flooding. How can these innovative designs reshape our approach to stormwater management? Read More.

Stroads_ Aren_t Streets. They Aren_t Roads. And They Don_t Work.

Rethinking Roads: Are 'Stroads' Failing Us?

Charles Marohn critiques America's "stroads," ineffective hybrids of streets and roads, and advocates for clearer distinctions in urban planning to enhance safety and economic value. Can we phase out these problematic pathways? Read More.

Climate Chronicles

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Is Triggering Outdoor Air Quality Alerts Across the Midwestern U.S. It Could Pollute the Indoors, Too

Wildfire Smoke's Hidden Danger: Are You Safe Indoors?

Wildfire smoke from Canada has spread to the U.S., affecting indoor air quality in the Midwest. As climate change worsens fires, how can we ensure clean indoor air and safeguard our health? Read More.

Microsoft_s emissions jump almost 30_ as it races to meet AI demand

Microsoft's AI Dilemma: Climate Goals vs. Emissions Surge

Microsoft's emissions have surged nearly 30% since 2020 due to AI infrastructure expansion. Despite climate goals, can Microsoft balance its AI ambitions with sustainability targets? Read More.

Alternative Avenues

Using Asymmetrical Investment Strategies To Maximize Real Estate Returns

Invest Smarter: How Do Asymmetrical Real Estate Strategies Work?

Asymmetrical investment strategies in real estate offer high returns with low risks by focusing on core, value-add, opportunistic, and distressed properties. Discover how to harness these tactics for substantial gains. Are you ready to optimize your investments? Read More.

5 things Every RIA Needs to Know About Investing In Alternatives

Embracing Alternatives: Wealth Management's Shift

The Wealth Management Convergence 2024 highlighted the surge in private market investments since the Global Financial Crisis. How can financial advisors navigate alternatives to enhance returns and diversify client portfolios? Read More.

Inspiration Alley

This home on the Tennessee River was inspired by the English countryside

Old World Meets New Charm: Knoxville Gem

A Knoxville home blends English countryside charm with modern touches, featuring natural materials and stunning river views. How do traditional and contemporary elements harmonize in this elegant estate? Read More.

Have a Great Weekend!

Learn More About the Sortis Funds

To invest and read more about the Sortis Funds, visit our website, or find us on Linkedin. We are happy to answer any questions you may have at dutton.elske@sortis.com.