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

🌍 At a Glance

• US Fed Funds Rate: 3.88 (as of 2025-11-01)
• US 30Y Mortgage: 6.15 (as of 2025-12-31)
• ECB Policy Rate: 2.0 [FRED:ECBDFR] as of 2025-12-30
• BoE Bank Rate: 3.75 (as of 2025-12-18)

🇺🇸 United States

• A New Luxury Development Debuts On Top of Boston’s South Station — A new luxury tower at Boston's South Station features 166 condominiums, enhancing the skyline and transit experience.
• Amy Schumer Moves On, Selling ‘Moonstruck’ House in Brooklyn — Amy Schumer sells her Brooklyn home, while Steve Buscemi and Russell Wilson also list properties.
• A Carriage House Reimagined for Work and Play — Designers transformed a Shelter Island carriage house into a multifunctional studio and recreation space.

🇪🇺 Europe

• Keir Starmer to woo voters and MPs with new year plan to cut cost of living — Keir Starmer plans to address cost of living concerns with energy bill cuts and a potential end to the two-child benefit cap.
• Greens’ Polanski prepared to work with Burnham but not Starmer ‘to stop Reform’ — Green party leader Zack Polanski is open to collaborating with Andy Burnham but refuses to partner with Keir Starmer.
• Waitrose urges customers not to drink Deeside water over shards of glass risk — Waitrose has issued a warning for customers to avoid Deeside mineral water due to potential glass contamination.

🌏 Asia

• Eurostar services return to normal after major Channel Tunnel disruption — Eurostar services have resumed normal operations, but passengers should remain cautious of potential delays and cancellations.
• Bottled water from Waitrose recalled over risk it contains glass — Waitrose has recalled bottled water due to possible glass contamination, advising customers to return affected products.
• US stock market ends 2025 on a high note after volatile year — The US stock market is projected to finish 2025 with a 17% gain, marking three consecutive years of double-digit increases.

🎯 GPT Strategy

🇺🇸 United States

• **Positioning Idea:** Invest in luxury residential REITs to capitalize on high-end urban developments and increased demand for upscale living spaces.
• **Risk Note:** Economic downturns may reduce luxury property demand.
• **Positioning Idea:** Consider ETFs focused on urban redevelopment and mixed-use properties to benefit from evolving city landscapes and multifunctional spaces.

🇪🇺 Europe

• **Position in Utilities ETFs**: Consider utilities-focused ETFs to benefit from potential energy bill cuts, but watch for regulatory risks in energy pricing.
• **Invest in Social Housing REITs**: Target social housing REITs as government support for low-income families may increase, though monitor for changes in housing policy.
• **Hedge with Consumer Staples ETFs**: Use consumer staples ETFs as a defensive play against cost of living pressures, but be cautious of inflation impacting margins.

🌏 Asia

• **Positioning Idea:** Consider investing in European travel and hospitality REITs to capitalize on the rebound in Eurostar services.
• **Risk Note:** Monitor for potential operational disruptions affecting travel demand.
• **Positioning Idea:** Explore consumer staples ETFs focusing on food and beverage sectors, as recalls may drive demand for safer alternatives.

Not financial advice. Educational insights only.