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Banking Sector Sees Little Change In Non-Performing Exposures For May

Non-performing exposures (NPEs) in Cyprus’ banking system remained stable in May 2024, totalling €1.77 billion, a slight decrease from €1.80 billion in April. The NPE ratio stood at 7.4% of total loans. Year-to-date, there has been a modest reduction of €81 million in NPEs.

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) reported that loans overdue by over 90 days were constant at €1.39 billion, comprising 5.8% of total loans. The NPE coverage ratio saw a slight increase to 54.4% from 54.2% in April, with accumulated provisions reaching €786 million.

Restructured facilities in May amounted to €1.42 billion, a marginal decrease from €1.44 billion the previous month. Of these, €0.79 billion were classified as non-performing under the European Banking Authority standards, a slight drop of €4 million from April.

Households held 54% of total NPEs, equivalent to €971 million, while corporations accounted for €760 million, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) holding €695 million of this amount. Corporate NPEs had a coverage ratio of 69%, compared to 42% for household NPEs.

The CBC’s data underscores the stability of Cyprus’ banking sector despite minor fluctuations. For business professionals and investors, understanding these metrics is crucial for assessing the health and risk factors within the banking system. The consistent levels of NPEs suggest that while there is resilience, ongoing vigilance and strategic management are necessary to maintain financial stability.

Bitcoin Surges 23% In A Week As Investor Optimism Returns

Bitcoin was on track for a weekly gain of around 23% on Friday as a series of positive macroeconomic and policy developments boosted investor sentiment.

The cryptocurrency was trading about 6% higher at roughly $77,000, up from around $62,800 at the start of the week. Crypto-related stocks also rallied, with Coinbase and Circle gaining more than 9%, while Strategy rose 7%.

Macro Factors Fuel Rally

Bitcoin’s latest surge began Wednesday after Treasury yields fell sharply following a major intervention by the U.S. Treasury in the bond market. Lower yields eased pressure on risk assets and helped trigger a broader move into cryptocurrencies.

The rally was further amplified by a major short squeeze. Around $2.7 billion in crypto short positions were liquidated, according to CoinGlass.

Max Stuedlein, head of Partnerships at Sygnum APAC, said the move reflected an alignment of macroeconomic and policy catalysts, including the Treasury’s decision to increase buybacks of longer-dated government debt.

Clarity Act Boosts Sentiment

Investor confidence improved further on Thursday as the White House and crypto industry leaders made a final push to advance the Clarity Act in the coming weeks.

The legislation is widely viewed as a potential catalyst for the crypto market, although its chances of passing remain relatively limited.

Despite the rally, bitcoin remains well below its 2026 high of $94,820 reached in January and its all-time high of $126,198, set last October.

Analysts See More Volatility Ahead

Lucy Gazmararian, founder and managing partner at Token Bay Capital, said the crypto market may be approaching the end of its bear cycle.

She expects bitcoin could experience one more decline of around 20% before the market turns, pointing to historical cycles and the recent liquidation of heavily leveraged short positions.

Gazmararian also described bitcoin as a long-term hedge against monetary debasement, while warning that its short-term price remains highly volatile and driven by market cycles.

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