Global Real Estate & Economy Brief — 2026-01-02

🌍 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

• Los Angeles Fridge Law Ends Baffling Rite of Passage for Renters — Los Angeles landlords are now required to supply tenants with functional refrigerators, ending a longstanding rental challenge.
• Why Is It So Expensive to Cut Down a Tree? — Homeowners face increased expenses for tree removal due to rising labor and equipment costs.
• A New Luxury Development Debuts On Top of Boston’s South Station — A new luxury tower at Boston's South Station features 166 upscale condos, transforming the skyline and enhancing transit facilities.

🇪🇺 Europe

• Birmingham revellers turn out for non-existent fireworks – for second new year in a row — Birmingham's New Year celebration was marred again by a false promise of fireworks, leaving hundreds disappointed in Centenary Square.
• ‘Shameful’ 41,000 people reached UK by small boat last year, says Home Office — The Home Office reported that over 41,000 irregular arrivals reached the UK by small boats in 2025, the second highest on record.
• Labour needs complete ‘reset’ to defeat Reform UK threat, says strategist — Labour strategist Chris Powell emphasizes the need for a complete reset to effectively counter the growing threat from Reform UK.

🌏 Asia

• Crypto users forced to share account details with tax officials — Crypto users must disclose account details to tax officials to ensure compliance with tax obligations on transactions.
• Energy prices rise slightly for millions of households as temperatures fall — Energy bills are increasing for millions of households in England, Wales, and Scotland as winter temperatures drop.
• Condom tax and cheaper childcare: China's plan to boost birth rates — China introduces a 13% sales tax on contraceptives while exempting childcare services to encourage higher birth rates.

🎯 GPT Strategy

🇺🇸 United States

• **Position in Multifamily REITs**: Invest in multifamily REITs focusing on urban areas, as tenant requirements evolve and demand for amenities rises. *Risk: Regulatory changes may impact profitability.*
• **Consider Infrastructure ETFs**: Allocate to infrastructure ETFs that focus on utilities and essential services, as rising maintenance costs drive demand for reliable infrastructure. *Risk: Economic downturns could slow infrastructure spending.*
• **Explore Luxury Condo Developments**: Target investments in luxury residential developments in transit-rich locations, capitalizing on urban transformation trends. *Risk: Market saturation in high-end segments may limit growth.*

🇪🇺 Europe

• **Position in UK Real Estate ETFs**: Focus on urban areas with strong cultural events to capitalize on post-pandemic recovery, but monitor for potential political instability risks.
• **Invest in Defensive REITs**: Target sectors like healthcare and residential that provide stability amid rising irregular migration, but be cautious of regulatory changes affecting housing policies.
• **Macro Hedge with UK Government Bonds**: Consider long-term bonds as a hedge against political uncertainty and economic volatility, while being aware of inflation risks impacting yields.

🌏 Asia

• **Positioning Idea:** Consider investing in utility REITs to hedge against rising energy costs as winter approaches.
• **Risk Note:** Increased regulatory changes could impact profitability.
• **Positioning Idea:** Explore ETFs focused on healthcare and childcare sectors, benefiting from China's tax incentives for family services.

Not financial advice. Educational insights only.