The commercial real estate sector, a cornerstone of the US economy, is teetering on the edge of its most severe crash since the 2008 financial crisis. This impending downturn could potentially saddle US banks with staggering losses of up to $160 billion, as revealed in a new, insightful working paper from researchers at esteemed institutions including USC, Columbia, Stanford, and Northwestern.

Titled “Monetary Tightening, Commercial Real Estate Distress, and US Bank Fragility,” the paper offers a deep dive into the consequences of the Federal Reserve’s aggressive rate hikes in 2022. These hikes have placed immense pressure on various asset classes, notably stocks, bonds, and notably, commercial real estate.

The research presents a concerning picture: approximately 14% of all loans, and a striking 44% of office loans, are currently in negative equity. This situation implies that the current market values of these properties fall short of their outstanding loan balances. Consequently, the paper suggests that defaults on commercial real estate loans could hit a rate of 10%-20%, echoing the alarming levels seen during the Great Financial Crisis.

With approximately $1.5 trillion in commercial real estate debt nearing maturity in the upcoming years, the industry faces a precarious future. The potential fallout includes not only significant financial losses for banks but also the specter of another banking crisis, reminiscent of the turmoil that rocked Silicon Valley Bank and other financial institutions earlier this year.

The researchers’ analysis unveils a worrying scenario: should half of the uninsured depositors withdraw their funds, the ensuing commercial real estate-related losses could drive 31 to 67 smaller regional banks into insolvency. Furthermore, an additional 340 banks might find themselves on the brink of insolvency due to the repercussions of the heightened interest rates.

The study underscores a stark reality: had this commercial real estate distress occurred at the beginning of 2022 when interest rates were lower, the banking sector might not have faced such dire consequences. However, the substantial decline in bank asset values following 2022’s monetary tightening has significantly eroded banks’ resilience against adverse credit events, leaving them vulnerable to considerable solvency risks.

Investors and stakeholders are closely monitoring the stability of the US banking system. In a move reflecting growing concerns, Moody’s, a leading credit rating agency, downgraded the credit ratings of several large and mid-sized US banks in August and placed others under review. This decision was driven partly by the heightened risks associated with bank assets.

In summary, the commercial real estate sector’s potential crash looms large over the US economy, with far-reaching implications for the banking sector. As the situation unfolds, the resilience of banks and the broader financial system will be put to a critical test, highlighting the interconnected nature of modern financial markets and real estate.