Synthetic Cap Rate Indices (1991-Covid era)

We introduce a method that combines Euclidean distancing and OLS techniques to project synthetic capitalization rate indices (`SCXs') for metropolitan statistical areas in the US. SCXs are projected independently of market prices, asset specific characteristics and geographic location (ex-ante). In contrast to market cap rates, driven by geographic proximity and market comparables, our new method is driven by economic proximity. We find SCXs provide better forward guidance than market cap rates for: commercial real estate (`CRE') defaults, macroeconomic indicators, and future CRE values, before and during Covid. Our method establishes benchmark indices that connect CRE valuation to the macroeconomy.