Global Real Estate & Economy Brief — 2026-01-31

🌍 At a Glance

• US Fed Funds Rate: 3.72 (as of 2025-12-01)
• US 30Y Mortgage: 6.1 (as of 2026-01-29)
• ECB Policy Rate: 2.0 [FRED:ECBDFR] as of 2026-01-30
• BoE Bank Rate: 3.75 (as of 2025-12-18)

🇺🇸 United States

• Gene Hackman’s Santa Fe Compound Is for Sale a Year After His Death — Gene Hackman's Santa Fe estate is now on the market, following his passing last year.
• Crackling Flames and Cozy Hearths: 7 Enviable Fireplaces — The most desirable fireplaces serve as inviting gathering spots and enhance room aesthetics.
• $1.1 Million Homes in Australia — In Adelaide, Australia, $1.1 million can buy homes near shopping, parks, and a unique residential island.

🇪🇺 Europe

• Andrew went to intimate dinner with Epstein after his prison release, files suggest — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor reportedly attended a dinner with Jeffrey Epstein shortly after his prison release, according to newly released documents.
• Jeffrey Epstein sent money to Mandelson’s husband after prison release, emails suggest — Emails reveal Jeffrey Epstein transferred thousands of pounds to Peter Mandelson’s husband following his 2009 prison release.
• Labour accuses Reform candidate of ‘toxic politics’ after Tommy Robinson endorsement — Labour has condemned Reform candidate Matthew Goodwin for endorsing far-right activist Tommy Robinson, labeling it as "toxic politics."

🌏 Asia

• Trump picks Kevin Warsh to lead the US Federal Reserve — Trump nominates Kevin Warsh, a former Fed chair contender, to lead the US Federal Reserve.
• Will Trump's pick to lead US central bank get him the change he wants? — Opinions vary on whether Warsh will support Trump's vision for the Federal Reserve's direction.
• Three reasons for the record rise in gold prices, and one why they are falling — Despite recent declines, gold prices remain high due to ongoing investor demand and market uncertainties.

🎯 GPT Strategy

🇺🇸 United States

• **Positioning Idea:** Invest in residential REITs focused on desirable urban areas, as lifestyle amenities drive demand.
• **Risk Note:** Economic downturns may impact rental income.
• **Positioning Idea:** Consider ETFs focused on home improvement and renovation sectors, capitalizing on trends in aesthetic upgrades like fireplaces.

🇪🇺 Europe

• **Position in UK REITs**: Consider UK-focused REITs for potential value amidst political turmoil. Risk: Increased regulatory scrutiny could impact performance.
• **Invest in ESG Funds**: Allocate to ESG-focused ETFs to hedge against reputational risks from political controversies. Risk: Market volatility may affect short-term returns.
• **Short UK Political Risk ETFs**: Hedge against potential instability by shorting UK political risk ETFs. Risk: Unexpected political developments could lead to rapid market shifts.

🌏 Asia

• **Position in Precious Metals ETFs**: Consider investing in gold ETFs to hedge against market uncertainties and potential shifts in Fed policy. Risk: Volatility in commodity prices.
• **Diversify into REITs Focused on Inflation-Resilient Sectors**: Target REITs in sectors like residential and healthcare, which may benefit from inflationary pressures. Risk: Economic downturns affecting occupancy rates.
• **Long-term Bonds with Inflation Protection**: Allocate to TIPS (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities) to safeguard against inflation while navigating potential Fed policy changes. Risk: Interest rate fluctuations impacting bond prices.

Not financial advice. Educational insights only.