Distressed or distressing investments? MIPIM 2011

Reporting from MIPIM 2011:

Distressed or distressing is the question in investing these days. However, the market's worst fears of massive default did not come true. And the bulk of distressed assets have appreciated enough during the recovery of the last twelve months to remove themselves from the distressed category before any workouts were required. The optimistic view is that the worst is over.

But while things appear better to those in the know, the public at large still does not know where many banks' balance sheets stand. Further, it is very possible that there are more faltering property owners who are trying to keep their status under wraps. The lack of transparency is an impediment in determining whether we are truly in the clear yet.