Global Real Estate & Economy Brief — 2026-01-20

🌍 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 2026-01-19
• BoE Bank Rate: 3.75 (as of 2025-12-18)

🇺🇸 United States

• The Man Who Saw School Buses as Vehicles for Possibility — Lucas Sweeten transforms school buses into mobile homes, empowering students to enhance their communities.
• An Art Collector’s Vision Set in Rock in Millbrook, N.Y. — Artur Walther's new home in Millbrook, N.Y., blends architecture with nature after extensive planning.
• $1.5 Million Homes in California — Explore $1.5 million homes in California, featuring diverse styles from ranch to Queen Anne Revival.

🇪🇺 Europe

• Water firms could be let off pollution fines as part of government overhaul — Water companies may avoid pollution fines under proposed government reforms, raising concerns among campaigners about environmental accountability.
• UK ministers launch consultation into whether to ban social media for under-16s — UK ministers are consulting on a potential ban of social media for users under 16, aiming to reduce mobile phone usage among youth.
• Starmer plays down prospect of retaliatory tariffs against US over Greenland — Keir Starmer downplayed the likelihood of retaliatory tariffs against the US, advocating for a resolution through calm discussions over the Greenland issue.

🌏 Asia

• UK to consult on social media ban for under 16s — The UK plans to consult on banning social media for under 16s, aiming for schools to be "phone-free by default."
• Water companies to face regular MOT-style checks in industry shake-up — Water companies will undergo regular MOT-style checks, but campaigners argue the government's reforms are insufficient.
• Environment Secretary: South East Water boss 'should not get bonus' — Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds believes the South East Water CEO should not receive a bonus due to poor performance.

🎯 GPT Strategy

🇺🇸 United States

• **Positioning Idea:** Invest in residential REITs focused on affordable housing to capitalize on innovative living solutions like mobile homes.
• **Risk Note:** Economic downturns may impact demand for affordable housing.
• **Positioning Idea:** Consider ETFs focused on sustainable architecture and green building materials, reflecting the trend of homes blending with nature.

🇪🇺 Europe

• **Positioning Idea:** Consider investing in environmental-focused REITs to capitalize on potential regulatory shifts favoring water companies.
• **Risk Note:** Regulatory changes may not materialize as expected.
• **Positioning Idea:** Explore ETFs focused on digital wellness and youth engagement sectors, anticipating increased demand for alternatives to social media.

🌏 Asia

• **Positioning Idea:** Consider investing in education-focused REITs, as schools may require more infrastructure to support phone-free environments.
• **Risk Note:** Regulatory changes could impact funding for educational institutions.
• **Positioning Idea:** Explore utility sector ETFs, particularly those focused on water management, as regulatory scrutiny may drive operational improvements.

Not financial advice. Educational insights only.