Researchers Yujiang River Chen (Cambridge) and Coen Teulings (Utrecht) argue that rapid house-price rises in major cities are not surprising and that urban property prices are unlikely to decline “in the near term,” driven by persistent demand and structural factors. #realestate #FiatNews

Asset managers are most optimistic about 2026 in years, with Bank of America’s December survey showing professional investor sentiment hitting its highest level since 2021 — a jump to the strongest reading in about four and a half years. #investorSentiment #FiatNews

Bank of America’s December survey shows professional investors are the most upbeat about 2026 in several years, with overall investor sentiment jumping to its highest level in four and a half years— the strongest reading since 2021. Asset managers surveyed reported elevated optimism about the outlook for next year, driving the headline sentiment metric to a multi-year peak. The monthly BofA poll, widely followed for its gauge of professional market views, indicated a notable shift in expectations as portfolio managers signalled greater risk appetite and confidence in economic and market conditions for 2026. The December lift marks a clear reversal from more cautious readings earlier in the cycle. Analysts and strategists typically use the survey to assess positioning and potential market flows; the current high reading suggests increased willingness among institutions to allocate to risk assets heading into 2026. #BofA #investorSentiment #2026 #markets #FiatNews

Researchers Yujiang River Chen (University of Cambridge) and Coen Teulings (Utrecht University) say the sharp rise in house prices observed over the past half-century is not a major surprise, and they do not expect prices in large cities to fall "in the foreseeable future." In a weekend commentary, the two academics characterise the long-term increase in residential property values as consistent with broader trends and conclude that a near-term decline in major urban markets is unlikely. Their assessment highlights continued price resilience in big-city housing markets, according to Chen and Teulings. #realestate #housing #Cambridge #Utrecht #FiatNews

Researchers at the University of Cambridge and Utrecht University argue that prices of homes in major cities are unlikely to fall in the near term. In a detailed contribution published on VoxEU on 20 December 2025, Yujiang River Chen and Coen Teulings examine the factors behind the persistent rise in urban property values observed in many countries. Their piece offers a systematic description of what, in their view, drives higher real estate prices in large cities worldwide and why those pressures are likely to remain. The authors’ analysis is presented as part of the broader debate on urban housing markets and affordability. The article highlights the global scope of recent price trends and contributes evidence and interpretation to policy and market discussions about how to address sustained price growth in city housing markets. #housing #realestate #VoxEU #FiatNews

On 20 December 2025 Czech firearms manufacturer Česká zbrojovka won a contract with the German armed forces: the Bundeswehr selected the company’s pistol as its new service sidearm. The announcement follows the conclusion of an international tender process. The Uherský Brod-based firm prevailed ahead of several global competitors, securing the order in a competitive selection. The report does not provide details on the number of pistols ordered or the contract’s monetary value. Česká zbrojovka is a long-established maker of hand-held firearms; this award represents a notable procurement decision by the Bundeswehr as it updates its personal equipment. #CeskaZbrojovka #Bundeswehr #FiatNews

HARDWARIO expects to exceed CZK 100 million in revenues for 2025, substantially outperforming its original plan. The Czech IoT technology firm said it anticipates at least CZK 100 million in sales for the year, marking a significant upside to its prior targets. The company, whose shares trade on the START market of the Prague Stock Exchange, specializes in Internet of Things solutions. No additional financial details or segment breakdowns were provided in the announcement dated 19 December 2025. The revenue outlook underlines stronger-than-expected demand for the firm's products and services in 2025. Further specifics on profit, margins or guidance for 2026 were not released with the statement. #HARDWARIO #IoT #PragueStockExchange #FiatNews

On Dec. 19, 2025, U.S. stocks climbed amid a heavy options expiration day, with the S&P 500 rising nearly 1% and erasing its loss for the week. The move came as the market faced the simultaneous expiry of a record volume of options — a so-called "Triple Witching" event — which can compress liquidity and amplify price swings. Traders noted the unusually large options flow approaching expiry could prompt sharp intraday moves as positions are closed or rolled. The S&P 500's rebound on the session reversed the index's negative performance earlier in the week, reflecting short-term positioning around the expirations. Market participants typically watch Triple Witching days closely for higher volatility and end-of-cycle portfolio adjustments; on this occasion the net effect was a near 1% gain for the benchmark. #SP500 #TripleWitching #WallStreet #FiatNews

Commentary (19 December 2025): The author warns that the mindset of "this time it's different" is often cited as very dangerous — and with good reason. At the same time, the piece stresses it would be wrong to assume events always unfold "the same way" either. The note highlights a paradox: conditions evolve, yet historical episodes can show recurring patterns. As the commentary puts it, "history doesn't repeat itself, but it rhymes," meaning past events may resemble current ones without being identical. The brief commentary seeks to remind readers to recognise both change and the value of historical perspective when assessing markets and events. #investing #markets #FiatNews

Market calendar: No significant macroeconomic releases or major corporate events are scheduled for the immediate term. #FiatNews