Global Real Estate & Economy Brief — 2026-01-16

🌍 At a Glance

• US Fed Funds Rate: 3.72 (as of 2025-12-01)
• US 30Y Mortgage: 6.06 (as of 2026-01-15)
• ECB Policy Rate: 2.0 [FRED:ECBDFR] as of 2026-01-15
• BoE Bank Rate: 3.75 (as of 2025-12-18)

🇺🇸 United States

• Why Staten Island Has the Highest Home Turnover Rate in N.Y.C. — Staten Island's home turnover rate is highest in NYC, contrasting with longer ownership durations in the Bronx and Queens.
• Where Did All the American-Born Roofers Go? — Immigrant labor has significantly shaped the American construction industry, replacing many American-born roofers.
• Everything Is Romantic in Louise Roe’s Living Room — Louise Roe's living room blends Georgian-style treasures and antique artwork, creating a romantic cottagecore aesthetic.

🇪🇺 Europe

• Opponents label Jenrick a ‘chancer’ and a ‘charlatan’ as he defects to Reform – as it happend — Robert Jenrick faces criticism as he defects to Nigel Farage's Reform party, labeled a ‘chancer’ and ‘charlatan’ by opponents.
• Barbs and a betrayal as Jenrick joins Reform after Badenoch gives him boot — After being sacked by Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick joins Reform UK, sharing the stage with Nigel Farage amid accusations of betrayal.
• NHS limiting ADHD assessments to save money despite soaring demand — The NHS is limiting ADHD assessments to cut costs, leaving GPs and patients uninformed despite increasing demand for services.

🌏 Asia

• Serial rail fare evader faces jail over 112 unpaid tickets — Charles Brohiri faces jail for accumulating 112 unpaid rail tickets.
• UK economy grew by 0.3% in November, beating forecasts — The UK economy grew by 0.3% in November, surpassing expectations.
• US to cut tariffs on Taiwanese goods after investment pledge — The US will reduce tariffs on Taiwanese goods following an investment commitment.

🎯 GPT Strategy

🇺🇸 United States

• **Positioning Idea**: Invest in residential REITs focused on Staten Island to capitalize on high home turnover rates.
• **Risk Note**: Market volatility could impact rental demand.
• **Positioning Idea**: Consider ETFs targeting construction and labor sectors to benefit from the growing immigrant workforce in construction.

🇪🇺 Europe

• **Positioning Idea**: Consider investing in healthcare REITs focused on outpatient facilities, as demand for mental health services rises amid NHS constraints.
• **Risk Note**: Regulatory changes could impact reimbursement rates.
• **Positioning Idea**: Explore ETFs focused on UK political stability and governance, as shifts in party dynamics may affect market confidence.

🌏 Asia

• **Positioning Idea**: Consider investing in infrastructure-focused REITs to capitalize on potential growth from increased rail and transport investments.
• **Risk Note**: Economic fluctuations may impact infrastructure spending.
• **Positioning Idea**: Look into UK-focused ETFs to benefit from positive economic growth signals and consumer confidence.

Not financial advice. Educational insights only.