Global Real Estate & Economy Brief — 2026-01-17

🌍 At a Glance

• US Fed Funds Rate: 3.72 (as of 2025-12-01)
• US 30Y Mortgage: 6.06 (as of 2026-01-15)
• ECB Policy Rate: 2.0 [FRED:ECBDFR] as of 2026-01-16
• BoE Bank Rate: 3.75 (as of 2025-12-18)

🇺🇸 United States

• Celebrity Listings From Anthony Hopkins, Larry Ellison, Maria Bello and More — Anthony Hopkins expands his Los Angeles real estate portfolio while Martha Plimpton departs from Brooklyn.
• $1.8 Million Homes in France — Featured this week are three diverse properties in France, including a designer home and a country villa.
• Why Staten Island Has the Highest Home Turnover Rate in N.Y.C. — Staten Island leads NYC in home turnover rates, while Bronx and Queens homeowners tend to sell after longer ownership periods.

🇪🇺 Europe

• Tories to step up attacks on Reform economic policy after Jenrick acrimony — The Conservatives are ramping up criticism of Reform's economic policies amid rising tensions following a key defection.
• Woman ‘overwhelmed’ by loneliness killed herself and disabled daughter, coroner says — A coroner revealed that loneliness led to the tragic deaths of a mother and her disabled daughter in Salford.
• NHS expands access to prostate cancer drug in England to save thousands of lives — The NHS's decision to broaden access to abiraterone is anticipated to save thousands of lives among newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients.

🌏 Asia

• Trump to unveil home buying plan involving retirement funds — Trump's housing plan allows Americans to use 401(k) funds for home down payments, according to an economic adviser.
• Government to give cash payouts to people in financial crisis — The government will provide cash payouts to assist individuals facing unexpected financial crises.
• ChatGPT to carry adverts for some users — OpenAI will introduce advertisements for some ChatGPT users while expanding its affordable subscription option, ChatGPT Go.

🎯 GPT Strategy

🇺🇸 United States

• **Position in LA Residential REITs**: Consider investing in Los Angeles residential REITs to capitalize on high-profile property acquisitions. *Risk: Market volatility and economic downturns could impact demand.*
• **Explore European Real Estate ETFs**: Look into European real estate ETFs to gain exposure to diverse properties in France and beyond. *Risk: Currency fluctuations and geopolitical tensions may affect returns.*
• **Focus on NYC Neighborhood REITs**: Target REITs focused on Staten Island and other NYC neighborhoods with high turnover rates for potential growth. *Risk: Local market dynamics and regulatory changes could hinder performance.*

🇪🇺 Europe

• **Positioning Idea**: Consider investing in healthcare REITs focused on senior living facilities, as rising awareness of health and social issues may drive demand.
• **Risk Note**: Economic instability could impact funding and occupancy rates.
• **Positioning Idea**: Explore ETFs focused on UK healthcare sectors, particularly those involved in cancer treatment advancements, as policy changes may boost growth.

🌏 Asia

• **Positioning Idea**: Consider investing in residential REITs to capitalize on increased home buying activity from 401(k) withdrawals.
• **Risk Note**: Monitor potential interest rate hikes that could dampen housing demand.
• **Positioning Idea**: Explore ETFs focused on consumer staples to hedge against economic downturns as cash payouts may boost spending.

Not financial advice. Educational insights only.