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Retail Trade Cycle And Volume Indicators Recorded An Annual Increase

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 4, 2025

The retail sector in Cyprus continued its upward trajectory in 2024, with both turnover value and volume registering solid gains. According to the latest data from CySTAT, the Turnover Value Index of Retail Trade for December 2024 increased by 5.8% compared to the same month in 2023, reflecting a strong performance during the crucial holiday shopping season.

At the same time, the Turnover Volume Index of Retail Trade—which measures the actual quantity of goods sold—grew by 3.6% year-over-year, signaling sustained consumer demand despite economic fluctuations.

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Full-Year Performance: Consistent Growth In Value And Volume

For the entire January-December 2024 period, the Value Index recorded an estimated 5.4% increase compared to 2023, while the Volume Index rose by 4.3%. These figures suggest a healthy expansion in the country’s retail sector, supported by steady consumer spending and an improving economic landscape.

December’s growth aligns with broader annual trends, reinforcing the resilience of Cyprus’ retail market. While rising costs and global economic uncertainties have impacted various sectors, retail businesses in Cyprus have maintained a strong performance, benefiting from increased purchasing power and evolving consumer habits.

As 2025 unfolds, the sector’s ability to sustain this momentum will depend on factors such as inflation trends, wage growth, and broader economic stability. For now, Cyprus’ retail industry remains on solid footing, demonstrating consistent expansion across both value and volume metrics.

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Google Escalates Capital Outlay Amid Surge in Cloud Demand

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 25, 2025

Robust Investment Strategy To Power AI Innovation

Alphabet Inc. has significantly revised its capital spending forecast for 2025, allocating an additional $10 billion to accommodate the burgeoning demand for its Cloud services. This strategic move reflects the company’s proactive approach to expanding its infrastructure, particularly in light of the accelerated adoption of AI-powered solutions.

Expanding Infrastructure To Meet Unprecedented Demand

In its second quarter earnings report, Alphabet highlighted a sharp increase in cloud revenues—up 32% to $13.6 billion. This surge has precipitated a $106 billion service backlog, as noted by Finance Chief Anat Ashkenazi during the post-earnings call. The majority of the additional capital expenditure is earmarked for enhancing technical infrastructure, with investments focused on servers and data center networking equipment. The company’s renewed forecast now stands at approximately $85 billion in capital expenditures for 2025, up from the previously projected $75 billion.

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Strategic Expansion Amid A Tight Supply Environment

Ashkenazi pointed out the challenges posed by a tight supply environment, emphasizing that the accelerated pace of server deployments and data center construction is essential to keeping pace with client demand. As Google continues to enhance capacity quarter-by-quarter, further increased capital spending is anticipated in 2026 to capitalize on emerging growth opportunities across the organization.

Implications For Future Profitability

While these significant investments will position Google at the forefront of AI and Cloud technology, they also imply a measurable increase in expenses, potentially affecting short-term profitability. Nevertheless, this forward-looking expansion underscores Alphabet’s commitment to sustaining its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.