Global Real Estate & Economy Brief — 2026-01-15

🌍 At a Glance

• US Fed Funds Rate: 3.72 (as of 2025-12-01)
• US 30Y Mortgage: 6.16 (as of 2026-01-08)
• ECB Policy Rate: 2.0 [FRED:ECBDFR] as of 2026-01-14
• BoE Bank Rate: 3.75 (as of 2025-12-18)

🇺🇸 United States

• Where Did All the American-Born Roofers Go? — Immigrant labor has significantly shaped the American construction industry, particularly in roofing.
• Everything Is Romantic in Louise Roe’s Living Room — Louise Roe's living room blends Georgian-style treasures with a romantic cottagecore aesthetic.
• A Guide to Living in Whitefish, Montana — In Whitefish, Montana, businesses often close for "powder days" during prime snowfall.

🇪🇺 Europe

• Two-star Michelin restaurant in Wales handed one-star hygiene rating — Ynyshir's chef Gareth Ward defends his two-star Michelin restaurant despite receiving a one-star hygiene rating due to raw ingredient concerns.
• US and UK military to withdraw some personnel from Middle East amid Iranian threats — The US and UK military are withdrawing personnel from the Middle East amid escalating threats from Iran.
• Three Palestine Action protesters end their hunger strike — Three Palestine Action protesters ended their hunger strike after the UK government rejected a £2bn contract with Elbit Systems.

🌏 Asia

• Reeves doesn't rule out wider business rates support across hospitality — Chancellor Reeves hints at potential broader business rates support for the hospitality sector, following upcoming assistance for pubs.
• California investigates Grok over AI deepfakes — California's attorney general probes Grok over AI deepfakes, while Musk refutes the allegations.
• Why the Northern Powerhouse Rail plan will really go ahead this time — Labour's Northern Powerhouse Rail plan prioritizes planning first, marking a significant shift in approach.

🎯 GPT Strategy

🇺🇸 United States

• **Positioning Idea**: Invest in construction-focused REITs to capitalize on the growing demand for immigrant labor in the housing sector.
• **Risk Note**: Economic downturns could impact construction activity.
• **Positioning Idea**: Consider ETFs focused on home furnishings and decor to benefit from evolving interior design trends like cottagecore aesthetics.

🇪🇺 Europe

• **Position in Food & Beverage REITs**: Consider investing in food and beverage REITs, as high-profile restaurant challenges may drive demand for quality dining experiences. *Risk: Economic downturns could impact discretionary spending.*
• **Diversify into Defense Sector ETFs**: Allocate funds to defense sector ETFs, as geopolitical tensions may increase military spending in response to Middle East threats. *Risk: Political shifts could alter defense budgets.*
• **Explore ESG-focused REITs**: Invest in ESG-focused REITs, as public sentiment against controversial contracts may boost demand for socially responsible investments. *Risk: Regulatory changes could affect ESG criteria and performance.*

🌏 Asia

• **Positioning Idea:** Consider investing in hospitality-focused REITs to capitalize on potential business rates support for the sector.
• **Risk Note:** Regulatory changes may impact profitability.
• **Positioning Idea:** Explore infrastructure ETFs that could benefit from Labour's Northern Powerhouse Rail plan, focusing on regional development.

Not financial advice. Educational insights only.