Global Real Estate & Economy Brief — 2026-01-07

🌍 At a Glance

• US Fed Funds Rate: 3.72 (as of 2025-12-01)
• US 30Y Mortgage: 6.15 (as of 2025-12-31)
• ECB Policy Rate: 2.0 [FRED:ECBDFR] as of 2026-01-06
• BoE Bank Rate: 3.75 (as of 2025-12-18)

🇺🇸 United States

• All-Cash Deals Dominated Manhattan’s Real Estate Market in 2025 — In 2025, cash buyers comprised 64% of Manhattan's co-op and condo sales, surpassing those relying on mortgages.
• What Will Our Homes Look Like in 2026? — Experts anticipate a resurgence of craftsmanship and individuality in home design by 2026.
• A New Yorker Falls for an L.A. Bungalow — An architect embraced a bicoastal lifestyle with a 1,000-square-foot bungalow in Silver Lake, Los Angeles.

🇪🇺 Europe

• ‘Bigger than me’: road safety campaigner whose son died in collision welcomes new UK rules — Meera Naran supports new UK road safety measures, believing they will save lives following her son's tragic death.
• UK and France ‘ready to deploy troops’ to Ukraine after ceasefire — The UK and France are prepared to deploy troops to Ukraine after a ceasefire, signaling a significant military commitment.
• Government lacks emotional link with voters, cabinet ministers warned — Labour's chief of staff urges the government to reconnect emotionally with voters to enhance political engagement.

🌏 Asia

• Learner drivers may have to wait six months before taking test — A proposed six-month minimum learning period may be implemented for learner drivers before they can take their driving test.
• Trump claims US oil firms could be 'up and running' in Venezuela within 18 months — Trump envisions US oil firms operating in Venezuela within 18 months, though analysts suggest this timeline is overly optimistic.
• Fujitsu 'not a parasite' for profiting after Horizon scandal, says boss — Fujitsu's European chief defends the company against claims of exploiting the Horizon scandal while profiting from government contracts.

🎯 GPT Strategy

🇺🇸 United States

• **Positioning Idea:** Invest in Manhattan-focused REITs to capitalize on the high cash buyer trend.
• **Risk Note:** Economic downturns could impact luxury market stability.
• **Positioning Idea:** Consider ETFs focused on home design and construction innovation to benefit from the anticipated resurgence in craftsmanship.

🇪🇺 Europe

• **Positioning Idea:** Consider investing in infrastructure-focused REITs, as increased road safety measures may drive demand for related developments.
• **Risk Note:** Regulatory changes could impact project timelines.
• **Positioning Idea:** Look at defense sector ETFs, as military commitments to Ukraine may boost defense spending in the UK and France.

🌏 Asia

• **Positioning Idea**: Consider investing in infrastructure and transportation ETFs, as regulatory changes may boost demand for driver education and related services.
• **Risk Note**: Regulatory delays could impact growth timelines.
• **Positioning Idea**: Explore energy sector ETFs focused on Latin America, anticipating potential US oil investments in Venezuela, despite optimistic timelines.

Not financial advice. Educational insights only.