Global Real Estate & Economy Brief — 2026-02-08

🌍 At a Glance

• US Fed Funds Rate: 3.64 (as of 2026-01-01)
• US 30Y Mortgage: 6.11 (as of 2026-02-05)
• ECB Policy Rate: 2.0 [FRED:ECBDFR] as of 2026-02-06
• BoE Bank Rate: 3.75 (as of 2025-12-18)

🇺🇸 United States

• How to Choose Wallpaper Like a Professional Designer — This guide helps you make informed wallpaper choices for a professional finish.
• My Co-op’s Renovation Project Is Bad for Residents. Can We Stop It? — Legal protections may hinder residents from halting a co-op renovation despite dissatisfaction.
• How to Co-Parent in a Family Home After a Divorce — Experts provide insights on effective co-parenting strategies post-divorce to maintain family stability.

🇪🇺 Europe

• ‘Hurry for justice’: Windrush victims dying without redress, commissioner says — Windrush commissioner Clive Foster urges immediate action to deliver justice for victims dying without redress amid fears of stalled progress.
• Revealed: How Substack makes money from hosting Nazi newsletters — Substack reportedly profits from hosting newsletters that promote far-right ideologies, including white supremacy and antisemitism.
• UK supreme court hearing interrupted by history podcast played from judge’s phone — A UK supreme court hearing was humorously interrupted by a history podcast playing from a judge's phone.

🌏 Asia

• Most smart motorways 'not value for money' say reports — Reports indicate that only three of 16 smart motorway schemes are projected to deliver expected financial benefits.
• Google staff call for firm to cut ties with ICE — Over 900 Google employees have urged the company to sever ties with ICE regarding immigration actions.
• Uber ordered to pay $8.5m over claim driver raped passenger — Uber faces an $8.5 million payout after a driver was found guilty of raping a passenger, impacting numerous similar cases.

🎯 GPT Strategy

🇺🇸 United States

• **Positioning Idea:** Consider investing in home improvement ETFs to capitalize on increased demand for professional renovation services.
• **Risk Note:** Economic downturns may reduce discretionary spending on renovations.
• **Positioning Idea:** Explore residential REITs focused on co-op and multi-family housing to benefit from stable occupancy despite renovation challenges.

🇪🇺 Europe

• **Positioning Idea:** Consider investing in social impact REITs focused on affordable housing to address systemic injustices.
• **Risk Note:** Regulatory changes could impact profitability.
• **Positioning Idea:** Explore ETFs focused on tech and media sectors to capitalize on the rise of digital platforms, despite potential controversies.

🌏 Asia

• **Positioning Idea:** Consider investing in infrastructure-focused REITs, as scrutiny on smart motorway schemes may lead to increased public funding for successful projects.
• **Risk Note:** Potential delays in project approvals could impact returns.
• **Positioning Idea:** Explore ETFs focused on technology and labor rights, as employee activism at major firms like Google may drive changes in corporate governance.

Not financial advice. Educational insights only.