Global Real Estate & Economy Brief — 2025-12-28

🌍 At a Glance

• US Fed Funds Rate: 3.88 (as of 2025-11-01)
• US 30Y Mortgage: 6.18 (as of 2025-12-24)
• ECB Policy Rate: 2.0 [FRED:ECBDFR] as of 2025-12-23
• BoE Bank Rate: 3.75 (as of 2025-12-18)

🇺🇸 United States

• Today’s Stripes Are Bolder, Wider and Used in Excess — Bold stripes are trending in American decor, enhancing walls and furniture with vibrant designs.
• I Broke the Lease on an Illegal Rental. Can I Get My Security Deposit Back? — Without a certificate of occupancy, recovering your security deposit may be challenging, depending on your situation.
• The New Stealth Recliners — Modern recliners have been redesigned for style, transforming them from eyesores to chic living room additions.

🇪🇺 Europe

• Equal pay settlements for female council workers pass £1bn — Equal pay settlements for female council workers exceed £1bn, with 30,000 claims settled and 10,000 more anticipated in 2026.
• Child abuse victim of Jackanory presenter tells how climbing saved him — Iain Peters, a child abuse survivor, shares how climbing helped him cope after decades of silence about his trauma.
• Glasgow hospital launches inquiry after wrong body cremated — A Glasgow hospital has launched an inquiry after mistakenly cremating the wrong body, leaving a family without remains for a funeral.

🌏 Asia

• Boxing Day shopping falls flat once again — Boxing Day shopping sees a decline in foot traffic despite ongoing bargain-hunting efforts.
• Don't rule out EU customs union, TUC boss tells Starmer — TUC leader urges Starmer to consider a customs union for stronger EU economic ties.
• Treasury to cover Bayeux Tapestry for estimated £800m — The Treasury plans to insure the Bayeux Tapestry for approximately £800 million during its UK visit.

🎯 GPT Strategy

🇺🇸 United States

• **Position in Home Furnishings ETFs**: Invest in ETFs focused on home furnishings to capitalize on decor trends. Risk: Economic downturns may impact discretionary spending.
• **Explore Residential REITs**: Consider residential REITs in markets with high rental demand, as decor trends may boost tenant retention. Risk: Regulatory changes could affect occupancy rates.
• **Hedge with Consumer Discretionary ETFs**: Use consumer discretionary ETFs to hedge against potential downturns in home decor spending. Risk: Market volatility could impact overall performance.

🇪🇺 Europe

• **Positioning Idea:** Consider investing in UK-focused REITs that prioritize social responsibility, as rising awareness of equal pay may drive demand for equitable workplace environments.
• **Risk Note:** Potential regulatory changes could impact operational costs.
• **Positioning Idea:** Explore ETFs focused on healthcare infrastructure, as inquiries like the Glasgow hospital incident may lead to increased funding for improved hospital management and accountability.

🌏 Asia

• **Positioning Idea:** Consider investing in retail REITs focused on e-commerce integration, as foot traffic declines may shift demand towards online retail spaces.
• **Risk Note:** Monitor consumer spending trends and potential economic downturns impacting retail performance.
• **Positioning Idea:** Explore ETFs focused on European infrastructure, as stronger EU ties could boost cross-border projects and investments.

Not financial advice. Educational insights only.