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Cyprus Current Account Deficit Narrows To €2.34 Billion In 2025

The Central Bank of Cyprus released preliminary external sector data for 2025, showing improvement in the current account, investment position, and external debt metrics.

Improved Current Account Balance

The current account deficit narrowed to €2.34 billion in 2025 from €2.85 billion in 2024. As a share of GDP, the deficit declined to 6.4% from 8.2%, indicating a reduction in external imbalances.

Adjusted Impact Of Special Purpose Entities

Excluding special purpose entities classified as non-residents, the current account deficit stood at €2.68 billion in 2025, compared to €2.34 billion in 2024. On this basis, the deficit reached 7.4% of GDP, down from 8.4% a year earlier.

Strengthened International Investment Position

The net international investment position improved, with net liabilities decreasing to €28.17 billion from €29.24 billion in 2024. Adjusted figures excluding SPEs show a decline to €8.93 billion from €10.62 billion.

Declining External Debt Levels

Gross external debt fell to €225.19 billion in 2025 from €234.41 billion in 2024. External assets in debt instruments increased slightly to €223.62 billion from €222.74 billion. As a result, net external debt declined by €10.11 billion to €1.57 billion. When adjusted for SPEs, gross external debt reached €59.18 billion versus €59.87 billion in 2024, while net external debt shifted further into surplus at -€30.95 billion compared to -€23.91 billion.

Conclusion

The data show an overall improvement in Cyprus’ external position across key indicators. Changes in the current account, investment position, and debt levels reflect a more balanced external profile compared to 2024.

Alpha Bank Reports Strong Underlying Q1 Performance Despite Capital Pressure

Robust Operational Performance

Alpha Bank’s first quarter 2026 report demonstrates a solid operational foundation, as confirmed by analyses from leading institutions such as Citi, JPMorgan, Jefferies, and Deutsche Bank. Despite an accounting impact from extraordinary one-off costs, the bank’s commercial momentum remains unmistakable, driven notably by fee income and resilient net interest margins.

Capital Position And Extraordinary Items

Quarterly results were weighed down by a lower-than-expected capital ratio and a €47 million expense linked to a voluntary exit program affecting around 350 employees. As a result, net profit totaled €182 million, falling 9% below market consensus. At the same time, the restructuring initiative is expected to generate annual savings of approximately €15 million.

Operating Metrics And Investor Insights

Analysts highlighted the strength of Alpha Bank’s underlying operations after adjusting for extraordinary items. Adjusted net profit reached €221 million, exceeding market expectations by 2%. Fee income increased 29% year-on-year to €140 million, supported by higher revenue from business lending fees, insurance services, investment banking and wealth management activities. Performing exposures and assets under management also reached record levels during the quarter, reinforcing the bank’s efforts to diversify revenue streams beyond interest income.

Market Valuation And Sector Commentary

Market commentary following the results remained broadly positive despite pressure on some balance-sheet metrics. JPMorgan described the quarter as showing underlying strength, while Deutsche Bank and Jefferies maintained buy recommendations with target prices reaching €4.85. At the same time, analysts continued to monitor pressure on net interest margins and dilution in common equity tier 1 ratios as banks adapt to changing market conditions.

Strategic Outlook

Alpha Bank is expected to provide additional details on its medium-term strategy during its investor day scheduled for the second half of 2026. Key areas of focus are expected to include the sustainability of fee income growth, capital trajectory management and shareholder returns. The bank has also maintained its earnings per share target of €0.40 for 2026, representing projected year-on-year growth of 11%.

First-quarter results highlighted Alpha Bank’s ability to maintain operational momentum despite pressure from one-off costs and capital-related challenges. Growth in fee-based activities and continued expansion in assets under management also reflected the bank’s broader effort to strengthen revenue diversification across its business segments.

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