Global Real Estate & Economy Brief — 2025-12-22

🌍 At a Glance

• US Fed Funds Rate: 3.88 (as of 2025-11-01)
• US 30Y Mortgage: 6.21 (as of 2025-12-18)
• ECB Policy Rate: 2.0 [FRED:ECBDFR] as of 2025-12-19
• BoE Bank Rate: 3.75 (as of 2025-12-18)

🇺🇸 United States

• And Now, Please Welcome Back: Wall-to-Wall Carpeting — Wealthy clients are reconsidering wall-to-wall carpeting, a retro trend revived by some interior designers.
• Does My Landlord Have to Fix the Intercom System? — Tenants can threaten to withhold rent if landlords neglect intercom repairs, but should brace for potential disputes.
• Would You Let A.I. Design Your Living Room? — A.I.-enabled tools are transforming home renovation by instantly redesigning living spaces for users.

🇪🇺 Europe

• Two Palestine Action-linked hunger strikers taken to hospital — Two hunger strikers linked to Palestine Action have been hospitalized, prompting calls for government intervention from MPs and their families.
• More than 800 people cross Channel in dinghies, breaking record for December — Over 800 people crossed the Channel in dinghies on Saturday, setting a December record with a total of 41,455 arrivals this year.
• One in eight of 14- to 17-year-olds in Great Britain say they have used nicotine pouches — A survey reveals one in eight teenagers in Great Britain have used nicotine pouches, raising concerns about addiction and support for age restrictions.

🌏 Asia

• Cricket-themed bar chain Sixes goes into administration — Cricket-themed bar chain Sixes, partly backed by Ben Stokes, enters administration but continues operations at most venues.
• The 'winners and losers' in Universal UK's plan to rival Disneyland Paris — Universal UK anticipates surpassing European parks in annual visitors within 20 years to compete with Disneyland Paris.
• Removed Ben & Jerry's chair says Magnum aimed to 'smear' her — Anuradha Mittal claims Magnum sought to 'smear' her after her removal from Ben & Jerry's board.

🎯 GPT Strategy

🇺🇸 United States

• **Positioning Idea:** Invest in home improvement retail ETFs to capitalize on the growing trend of DIY renovations.
• **Risk Note:** Economic downturns may reduce discretionary spending.
• **Positioning Idea:** Consider multifamily REITs focusing on tenant-friendly amenities to mitigate rent disputes and enhance tenant retention.

🇪🇺 Europe

• **Positioning Idea:** Consider investing in healthcare REITs, as rising health concerns may drive demand for medical facilities.
• **Risk Note:** Regulatory changes could impact profitability.
• **Positioning Idea:** Explore logistics and industrial REITs, as increased migration may boost demand for warehousing and distribution centers.

🌏 Asia

• **Positioning Idea**: Consider investing in leisure and entertainment REITs, as visitor attractions gain traction post-pandemic.
• **Risk Note**: Economic downturns could impact discretionary spending on leisure activities.
• **Positioning Idea**: Explore ETFs focused on European tourism and hospitality sectors, benefiting from increased visitor numbers to parks and attractions.

Not financial advice. Educational insights only.