Global Real Estate & Economy Brief — 2025-12-18

🌍 At a Glance

• US Fed Funds Rate: 3.88 (as of 2025-11-01)
• US 30Y Mortgage: 6.22 (as of 2025-12-11)
• ECB Policy Rate: 2.0 [FRED:ECBDFR] as of 2025-12-17
• BoE Bank Rate: 4.00 (as of 2025-08-07)

🇺🇸 United States

• Is Your Apartment Nice Enough to List on Kindred, a Home-Swapping App? — Kindred's selective criteria aim to alleviate concerns about home swapping and guest trust.
• ‘Weird’ Townhouse Gave Couple Chance at Realizing Brooklyn Dream — A narrow, historic townhouse in Cobble Hill offers a unique opportunity for a couple to fulfill their Brooklyn dream.
• As Regional Theaters Struggle, Some Defy the Odds — Despite challenges, regional theaters in Naples and Milwaukee are successfully thriving, showcasing resilience in the arts.

🇪🇺 Europe

• Palestine Action-linked hunger striker Qesser Zuhrah taken to hospital — Qesser Zuhrah, a hunger striker linked to Palestine Action, was hospitalized after 46 days without food amid protests for her medical care.
• Teachers will be given extra training to tackle misogyny in schools — A new strategy in England will provide teachers with training to combat misogyny, addressing harmful behaviors in children as young as 11.
• Two arrested on suspicion of shouting slogans calling for ‘intifada’ at protest — Two individuals were arrested at a pro-Palestine protest in London for allegedly calling for "intifada," part of five total arrests made.

🌏 Asia

• Why this month's inflation figure may be good news for you — This month's slower inflation rate may ease the cost of living for consumers.
• Pay freeze for Father Christmas but elves fare better — While seasonal workers enjoy pay increases, Santa faces a pay freeze this year.
• Starmer tells Abramovich to 'pay up now' or face court — Prime Minister Starmer urges Abramovich to fulfill his promise to support Ukrainians from Chelsea FC's sale proceeds.

🎯 GPT Strategy

🇺🇸 United States

• **Positioning Idea:** Invest in residential REITs focusing on urban areas with unique housing opportunities, like Brooklyn.
• **Risk Note:** Market fluctuations could impact demand for niche properties.
• **Positioning Idea:** Consider ETFs that include arts and entertainment sectors, capitalizing on the resilience of regional theaters.

🇪🇺 Europe

• **Positioning Idea:** Consider investing in socially responsible REITs focused on educational facilities, benefiting from increased funding for teacher training initiatives.
• **Risk Note:** Potential backlash from political protests could impact local markets.
• **Positioning Idea:** Explore ETFs focused on healthcare infrastructure, as heightened social awareness may drive demand for improved medical facilities and services.

🌏 Asia

• **Positioning Idea:** Consider investing in consumer staples ETFs to capitalize on easing inflation, which may boost household spending.
• **Risk Note:** Monitor potential shifts in consumer sentiment.
• **Positioning Idea:** Explore REITs focused on logistics and warehousing, benefiting from seasonal hiring trends and increased e-commerce demand.

Not financial advice. Educational insights only.