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Bank of Cyprus Receives Notable Ratings Upgrade By Fitch

by News Editor
March 18, 2025

In a remarkable financial development, Fitch Ratings has elevated the ratings of the Bank of Cyprus Public Company Limited (BoC) from ‘BB+’ to ‘BBB-‘, indicating a strong positive outlook. This upgrade underscores the bank’s enhanced asset quality and robust capitalization.

The rating improvement is largely attributed to the bank’s strategic reduction in problematic legacy assets, such as non-performing exposures (NPEs) and net foreclosed properties. This has enabled a healthier capital structure with reduced encumbrance by unresolved problem assets.

Fitch notes that despite lowering interest rates, BoC’s profitability remains solid thanks to its competence as the largest domestic bank in Cyprus. With consistent deleveraging, it is poised for ongoing financial stability.

Prospective Economic Growth For Cypriot Banks

The favorable outlook anticipates better business and financial prospects amidst Cyprus’s economic growth, with decreasing unemployment and lower private sector debt. BoC’s plans to expand into wealth management and insurance activities stand to gain from these economic trends.

Expectations are that the ratio of BoC’s problem assets will drop below 5% within two years, thanks to diminishing NPE portfolios and active disposals of foreclosed assets. Last year, the bank’s operating profit/risk-weighted assets (RWA) ratio was a robust 5.4%, indicating a sustainable path forward.

Financial Strength And Stability

By the end of 2024, BoC boasted a common equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 19.2%, with a notable buffer over regulatory demands. The bank’s CET1 encumbrance by problem assets fell significantly owing to further disposals.

Supported by a strong Cypriot deposit base, BoC maintains excellent liquidity. Looking ahead, while a downgrade is improbable, Fitch warns that any economic downturn in Cyprus could impact ratings. However, further elevation of the operating environment for Cypriot banks could enhance BoC’s business profile.

If you’re curious about technological advancements in Cyprus, read AI At Work: Cyprus Among Europe’s Most AI-Skeptical Nations.

Price Shifts: Temu And Shein React To Upcoming Tariffs

by News Editor
April 27, 2025

The online shopping world experienced a jolt as Temu and Shein, popular e-commerce platforms, recently adjusted their prices due to impending tariff changes. These platforms, known for offering budget-friendly options, have echoed with changes that might surprise many shoppers.

What Sparked the Price Hike?

Effective next week, a significant tariff will impact goods imported from China. This tariff follows the expiration of the “de minimis” exemption on May 2. This exemption previously allowed American shoppers to skip tariffs on items valued under $800. The new tariff demands a 120% fee or a flat $100 per postal item, increasing to $200 come June 1.

For instance, Temu’s two patio chairs jumped from $61.72 to $70.17 overnight, while a bathing suit on Shein saw a 91% surge in price. Yet, the price landscape isn’t consistently upward; a smart ring on Temu dropped by $3.

Implications for Consumers

Due to economic shifts and evolving trade rules, both Shein and Temu emphasized their efforts to maintain quality and affordability despite costlier operational expenses. They advised consumers to shop before April 25 to dodge the upcoming hikes, though it’s uncertain if this timing affects the 120% tariff applicability.

Impact on Lower-Income Households

The discontinuation of the “de minimis” exemption is poised to hit lower-income families hardest. Reports indicate these households spend a higher income proportion on apparel, and this change could burden them further.

Further economic insights highlight how industries adjust to challenges, such as in the face of AI-driven changes, potentially offsetting emissions concerns with economic gains.

For buyers and businesses alike, the shifting sands of trade laws call for adaptability and forethought.

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