In Hong Kong, houses rumored to be haunted can lose about a fifth of their value on average, and if there has been a murder on the property, the value can drop by a third. This significant decrease in property value is due to the superstitions and beliefs surrounding such houses, known as 'Hongza' or calamity houses. Despite having stunning views and locations, the stigma of haunting or tragic events can have a substantial impact on the market value of properties in Hong Kong, one of the most expensive places to buy property in the world.
From tunnels to tanks to drones, Gaza’s horrors provide object lessons in urban warfare. We ask what Western forces will be learning about their own future conflicts. Silicon Valley types may relish the prospect of J. D. Vance, a former tech investor, becoming America’s vice-president—but it should in fact worry them (10:15). And the superstitious forces affecting Hong Kong’s property sector (18:57).
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