Global Real Estate & Economy Brief — 2025-09-14

🌍 At a Glance

• US Fed Funds Rate: 4.33 (as of 2025-08-01)
• US 30Y Mortgage: 6.35 (as of 2025-09-11)
• ECB Policy Rate: 2.0 [FRED:ECBDFR] as of 2025-09-12
• BoE Bank Rate: 4.00 (as of 2025-08-07)

🇺🇸 United States

• Would You Trade Your Safety for Homeownership? — A recent survey reveals that 20% of homebuyers would sacrifice safety for homeownership.
• Bad Bunny’s Casita, a Summer Hub for Celebrities, Carries a Legacy — Bad Bunny's summer hub, a traditional home, has hosted numerous celebrities, evoking a festive atmosphere.
• Workstead Founders Curate a Living Room of ‘Unexpected Heirlooms’ — Workstead founders showcase their living room filled with curated "unexpected heirlooms" reflecting their design philosophy.

🇪🇺 Europe

• James’s Tim Booth criticises Tommy Robinson for ‘cynical’ use of song — Tim Booth of James condemned Tommy Robinson for using their song "Sit Down" at a rally, calling it a "cynical" act.
• Police assaulted as far-right rally led by Tommy Robinson sparks clashes — Over 110,000 participants joined Tommy Robinson's far-right protest in London, marking one of the largest nationalist events in decades.
• Elon Musk calls for dissolution of parliament at far-right rally in London — Elon Musk, addressing a far-right rally in London, called for the dissolution of parliament and a change of government in the UK.

🌏 Asia

• Unlimited contactless cards may lead to spending sprees — Academics warn that removing the £100 limit on contactless cards could trigger increased spontaneous spending.
• Some Jaguar Land Rover suppliers 'face bankruptcy' due to cyber attack crisis — Jaguar Land Rover suppliers may face bankruptcy due to a cyber attack, prompting urgent government intervention to safeguard jobs.
• Millions missing out on £24bn of benefits and government support, analysis suggests — A report reveals millions are missing out on £24 billion in benefits due to awareness, complexity, and stigma issues.

🎯 GPT Strategy

🇺🇸 United States

• **Positioning Idea:** Consider investing in affordable housing REITs to capture demand from buyers prioritizing homeownership over safety.
• **Risk Note:** Economic downturns may impact rental income stability.
• **Positioning Idea:** Explore lifestyle-focused real estate funds that target properties with unique design elements, appealing to affluent buyers seeking curated living experiences.

🇪🇺 Europe

• **Positioning Idea**: Consider investing in UK-focused REITs to capitalize on potential urban regeneration amidst rising nationalist sentiments.
• **Risk Note**: Political instability may impact market confidence and property values.
• **Positioning Idea**: Explore ETFs focused on European social cohesion and governance, as rising far-right movements may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny.

🌏 Asia

• **Positioning Idea:** Consider investing in consumer discretionary ETFs to capitalize on potential increased spending from contactless payment limit removal.
• **Risk Note:** Monitor inflation and consumer debt levels that may dampen spending.
• **Positioning Idea:** Explore defensive sectors like utilities or healthcare REITs, as economic uncertainty from supplier bankruptcies may drive investors to safer assets.

Not financial advice. Educational insights only.