Global Debt Surges Past $100 Trillion Amid Rising Interest Rates

by News Editor

March 21, 2025

As of just a few moments ago, global debt has surpassed the alarming threshold of $100 trillion, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This significant milestone, driven by increasing interest rates, forces borrowers worldwide to make tougher financial decisions, urging a shift towards prioritizing productive investments. In 2023, global debt stood at $97 trillion.

Key Insights

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Debt growth is coupled with a significant rise in interest expenses, pushing borrowers to carefully consider their financial priorities.
From 2021 to 2024, the interest expenditure as a percentage of GDP climbed to its highest in two decades.
OECD member countries now allocate 3.3% of their GDP to interest payments, exceeding their defense budgets.
Despite central banks easing interest rates, borrowing costs remain significantly above pre-2022 levels, suggesting further upward pressure on interest expenses.
This scenario unfolds as countries, like Germany with ambitious infrastructure plans, face heightened fiscal demands. Moreover, challenges linked to the green transition and an aging population present further financial hurdles for major economies.

What to Watch

The OECD warns that the combination of elevated costs and growing debt could constrain future borrowing capabilities at a time when investment needs are more critical than ever. Managing debt sustainably to foster long-term growth and productivity is paramount.

Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties continue to impact international capital flows, adding complexity to the global financial environment. Ensuring stability and predictability through sound policy decisions remains crucial for attracting investments and maintaining economic resilience.

The growing global debt, along with higher interest costs, necessitates careful financial strategy management by governments and corporations to ensure productive investments and sustainable economic growth.

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Cyprus’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2026

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

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Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.

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