Companies operating in the third-party real estate industry have had to navigate numerous economic headwinds in recent years, notably rising interest rates, spiralling inflation and muted economic growth. Revenue is projected to sink at a compound annual rate of 0.6% over the five years through 2025, including an estimated jump of 1.2% in 2025 to €207.6 billion, while the average industry profit margin is forecast to reach 35.1%. Amid spiralling inflation, central banks across Europe ratcheted up interest rates, resulting in borrowing costs skyrocketing over the two years through 2023. In residential markets, elevated mortgage rates combined with tightening credit conditions eventually ate into demand, inciting a drop in house prices. Rental markets performed well when house prices were elevated (2021-2023), being the cheaper alternative for cash-strapped buyers. However, even lessors felt the pinch of rising mortgage rates, forcing them to hoist rent prices to cover costs and pricing out potential buyers. This led to a slowdown in rental markets in 2023, weighing on revenue growth. However, this has started to turn around in 2025 as interest rates have been falling across Europe in the two years through 2025, reducing borrowing costs for buyers and boosting property transactions. This has helped revenue to rebound slightly in 2025 as estate agents earn commission from property transactions. Revenue is forecast to swell at a compound annual rate of 3.7% over the five years through 2030 to €249.5 billion. Housing prices are recovering in 2025 as fixed-rate mortgages begin to drop and economic uncertainty subsides, aiding revenue growth in the short term. Over the coming years, PropTech—technology-driven innovations designed to improve and streamline the real estate industry—will force estate agents to adapt, shaking up the traditional real estate sector. A notable application of PropTech is the use of AI and data analytics to predict a home’s future value and speed up the process of retrofitting properties to become more sustainable.

Cards And Payments Market Outlook

The global cards and payments market size was valued at approximately $10 trillion in 2023 and is projected to grow to around $15 trillion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% over the forecast period. This impressive growth is primarily driven by the increasing digitization of financial services, greater consumer adoption of online and mobile payments, and expanding penetration of internet and smartphone usage across the globe.

One of the primary growth factors of the cards and payments market is the rapid advancement in technology, particularly in mobile and internet infrastructure. The proliferation of smartphones and the rising availability of high-speed internet have significantly influenced the adoption of digital payments. Consumers are increasingly relying on their mobile devices for everyday transactions, prompting businesses to adapt by offering various digital payment options. Additionally, the development of secure payment gateways and advanced encryption technologies has enhanced consumer trust in digital payment methods.

Another significant factor contributing to market growth is the shift in consumer behavior and preferences. The convenience and speed offered by online and mobile payments are unmatched, leading to a decline in cash transactions. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend by necessitating contactless payment methods to mitigate the spread of the virus. Consumers and businesses alike have become more comfortable with digital transactions, and this behavioral shift is expected to have a lasting impact on the market.

Regulatory support and government initiatives are also playing a crucial role in the expansion of the cards and payments market. Governments worldwide are promoting digital financial inclusion through various policies and programs aimed at increasing access to banking services. For instance, initiatives like India's Digital India campaign and the European Union's Revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2) have encouraged the adoption of digital payment methods, thereby boosting market growth.

Regionally, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate in the cards and payments market. This can be attributed to the rapid economic development, urbanization, and a large unbanked population that is gradually being brought into the formal banking system through digital means. Countries like China and India are at the forefront of this transformation, with significant investments in digital infrastructure and a burgeoning fintech ecosystem driving market growth.

Card Type Analysis

The cards and payments market is segmented into various card types, including credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, and others. Credit cards have traditionally been popular due to their credit facilities and reward programs. They allow consumers to borrow funds up to a certain limit and pay it back later, often with interest. The convenience of not needing to carry cash and the added benefits of rewards, cashback, and travel points have made credit cards a favored choice among consumers. Financial institutions continue to innovate with flexible repayment options and bonus point schemes to attract more users.

Debit cards, on the other hand, are directly linked to a consumer’s bank account and allow users to spend money they already have. They are widely accepted and offer immediate fund transfer without accruing debt. The simplicity and security associated with debit cards make them a popular choice for everyday transactions. With the rise of contactless payments, debit card usage has surged, as consumers appreciate the convenience of tapping their cards for swift transactions.

Prepaid cards offer another layer of flexibility and control for users. These cards are not linked to any bank account and are loaded with a specific amount of money. They are particularly useful for budgeting purposes or for specific use cases like travel or gifting. Prepaid cards also provide a safer alternative to carrying cash and can be used in places where credit or debit cards are accepted. The growing trend of digital wallets and e-gift cards is further propelling the demand for prepaid cards.

Other types of cards, including store cards and fleet cards, cater to niche markets but also contribute to the overall growth of the cards and payments market. Store cards are issued by specific retailers and offer rewards or discounts for purchases made at the issuing store. Fleet cards are used by b

Investment trusts have navigated a turbulent environment over recent years, characterised by regulatory changes and uncertain economic conditions. While demand for investment trusts has stayed fairly strong, alternative investment vehicles like open-ended investment companies have put pressure with their competitive prices, encouraging investment trusts to band together through consolidation to drive down fees charged thanks to economies of scale. Revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 2.9% over the five years through 2025-26 to £1.7 billion, including estimated growth of 6.5% in 2025-26, while the average industry profit margin is anticipated to be 27.4%. After the financial crisis in 2008, ultra-low interest rates supported equity growth as investors sought attractive returns from companies supported by cheap lending rates. This environment came to an end in 2022, as interest rates picked up rapidly amid spiralling inflation. As a result, bond values plummeted, and stock markets recorded lacklustre growth, hurting investment income. Although the rising base rate environment persisted into 2023-24, investors priced in rate cuts near the end of 2023, triggering a rally in stock markets. Capital also flowed into bonds as investors sought to lock in higher yields before they would potentially decline in 2024-25. In 2025-26, trusts will likely limit their exposure to US markets despite healthy growth seen from big tech firms in 2024-25, cautious of US fiscal policy, rising debt and the risk that trade tariffs will trigger a recession. Bond markets will also remain volatile, with markets unsure about the speed of rate cuts amid trade tensions. However, a declining base rate environment will drive prices up and support returns for investment trusts. Investment trust revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 4.6% over the five years through 2029-30 to £2.1 billion. Investors will continue to reduce their exposure to the dollar, with the European Stoxx index positioned for healthy growth in the short term, being seen as an effective safe haven in uncertain times. However, regulatory changes proposed by the Financial Conduct Authority have been contentious, putting investment trusts at a disadvantage to alternative investment vehicles like OEICs. Investment trusts will seek acquisitive growth, using mergers and acquisitions to minimise fixed costs through scale and ramp up competitiveness.