Dive Summary:

• A surge in commercial real estate throughout the first quarter of 2013 has caused a drop in the retail vacancy rate, effectively placing the rate at its lowest point since 2008, according to a report.
• The effective rate of 9.03% vacancy is due to over 370,000 square feet of new retail leases for 2013, with industrial land experiencing the most notable improvement.
• The trend is a good sign for the U.S. economy and research analysts predict the positive results could continue throughout 2013.

From the article:

Boyd said he thinks the trends should continue for all three sectors through the rest of the year, or even improve, if confidence in the overall economy strengthens. The strong second half of last year was expected to lead to a quieter first quarter this year, he said, but actual growth was stronger.