62%. This is public support for the French authorities’ intentions to legalize online casinos, according to a survey by the French Association of Online Games (AFJEL). Very soon, such legal amendments may become a fact, writes the French publication Le Figaro. 

Online casinos in France are prohibited by law. Along with Cyprus, it is the only country in the EU that completely bans online casino games. French authorities only allow sports betting, horse racing, and poker online. The online lottery is also legal in France, although there is only one operator – La Française des Jeux (FDJ).

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However, in 2023, illegal online casinos operating in France generated an impressive 750 million euros in turnover, a sign that legal restrictions are in no way preventing these businesses from thriving from the comfort of tax havens, in which are registered.

Now the government is proposing changes as part of the draft budget for 2025, which would make the activity of online casinos subject to control. The texts were presented over the weekend and considered by French MPs on Monday. If the changes are finally adopted, virtual casino games will be taxed at 55.6% of their turnover.

The government claims that legalizing online casinos will help tackle the presence of illegal sites that often operate from tax havens. This could contribute to limiting the risk to public health,

However, the proposed amendments are not being taken lightly by casino owners, who have come out strongly against the amendment, which will expose their establishments to unwanted competition. 

“According to our calculations, the opening of online casinos to competition will lead to a drop in gross gambling revenue of land-based casinos by around 20 to 30% and the closure of 30% of establishments,” said Gregory Rabuel, president of the Casinos de France union. to the French media Les Echos.

THE BUDGETARY POLICY OF FRANCE

Last year, France’s government deficit reached 5.5% of the country’s GDP, significantly exceeding forecasts and breaching the EU’s target of 3%. Late last month, new budget minister Laurent Saint-Martin revealed that this year’s deficit could exceed 6%.

While the government hopes to rein in spending, it is also looking for ways to raise revenue. Part of the country’s current financial problems are related to reduced tax revenues. This is partly because economic growth has recently been driven by exports rather than domestic consumption, resulting in lower VAT revenues.

A review of the revenue side of the 2025 state budget, which calls for 60 billion in new tax revenue, began on Monday, kicking off the most important few weeks of Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s tenure, whose government enjoys fragile support.

In his opening speech, Economy Minister Antoine Armand advocated a budget that would allow the public deficit to be reduced to 5% of GDP in 2025, rejecting any “austerity” while predicting a 0.4% increase in public spending

Tesla surprised investors with an optimistic forecast, projecting a 20-30% growth in vehicle sales for 2024, which drove a 12% surge in the company’s shares in after-hours trading. CEO Elon Musk’s announcement relieved investors, who had been concerned about Tesla’s robotaxi rollout after a lackluster debut earlier this month. The company’s confidence in its core electric vehicle business, supported by lower production costs, soothed fears about market challenges.

In the third quarter of 2024, Tesla’s vehicle production costs fell to a record low of $35,100, which helped expand profit margins to 17.05%, exceeding analysts’ expectations. This cost efficiency and growth in autopilot software adoption helped the company boost earnings despite recent price cuts in the competitive electric vehicle market.

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Tesla’s third-quarter adjusted profit stood at 72 cents per share, beating Wall Street’s average estimate of 58 cents. The company delivered 1.29 million vehicles in the first nine months of 2024 and needs to deliver just over half a million more by year-end to surpass its previous record.

Musk’s projection of driverless cars offering paid rides by next year, and Tesla’s efforts to enhance production efficiency, have positioned the company well for continued growth despite challenges in the EV market. Tesla remains committed to expanding its lineup with more affordable models expected by 2025, focusing on AI and production investments.

Although the market remains cautious about sustaining these high margins in the final quarter of the year, Tesla’s third-quarter performance and optimistic outlook have sparked renewed investor confidence.

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Key Points:

• Sales Growth: Tesla forecasts a 20%-30% increase in vehicle sales for 2025.
• Share Price: Shares surged 12% following Musk’s announcement.
• Production Costs: Vehicle production costs dropped to $35,100, raising profit margins to 17.05%.
• Earnings: Adjusted profit reached 72 cents per share, exceeding estimates.
• Deliveries: Tesla delivered 1.29 million vehicles in 2024’s first three quarters, needing 514,925 more for a record.
• Future Plans: Plans for driverless cars and affordable models are set for 2025.

Oil prices experienced a slight decline on Wednesday following reports of a larger-than-expected increase in U.S. crude inventories. This drop was moderated by ongoing concerns over Middle East tensions, particularly as Israel continued its military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.

Brent crude futures saw a slight decrease of 0.3%, settling at $75.84 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures also dipped 0.3% to $71.54 per barrel. Despite the decline, oil prices had risen earlier in the week, supported by uncertainty over how the Israel-Iran conflict might evolve, especially following U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s diplomatic efforts in Israel.

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Meanwhile, the American Petroleum Institute (API) reported a 1.64 million barrel rise in U.S. crude stocks last week, significantly higher than analysts’ expectations of a 300,000-barrel increase. This unexpected stockpile increase weighed on the market, adding pressure to oil prices.

Analysts are also keeping an eye on China’s economic stimulus efforts, which could positively influence global oil demand. Market strategists, like Yeap Jun Rong, have noted that the potential for a longer conflict in the Middle East could lead to continued price volatility.

This situation, combined with geopolitical risks and economic variables, continues to impact global oil markets, leaving traders wary of further price shifts.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded its growth forecast for Cyprus, raising the 2024 projection from 2.7% (April estimate) to 3.3%, according to the October 2024 World Economic Outlook (WEO). For 2025, growth is also expected to increase to 3.1%, up from 2.9%. This places Cyprus among the top economies in the eurozone, with only Malta and Croatia expected to post higher growth rates at 5% and 3.4%, respectively. Cyprus’ Finance Ministry is even more optimistic, estimating 3.7% growth for 2024.

Inflation in Cyprus is forecasted to ease, with the IMF projecting a slight decrease to 2.2% in 2024 and 2% in 2025. This represents an improvement from the previous forecast of 2.3% for 2024. Unemployment is also expected to drop, with figures predicted to fall to 5.3% in 2024 (down from April’s 5.9% projection) and further to 5.1% in 2025.

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On a less positive note, Cyprus’ current account deficit is expected to widen. The IMF predicts a deficit of -10.1% of GDP in 2024, compared to the -8.6% previously estimated, and -8.6% in 2025. The Cypriot government, however, has a more conservative forecast of -8.5% for 2024 and -7.6% for 2025.

Globally, the IMF forecasts steady growth of 3.2% for 2024 and 2025, with notable upgrades for the U.S. economy. U.S. growth is now expected to reach 2.8% in 2024, up from 2.7%, and 2.2% in 2025, revised from 1.9%. In contrast, Germany’s growth outlook has been downgraded, with zero growth expected in 2024, down from 0.2%, and a modest recovery to 0.8% in 2025.

This report highlights Cyprus’ strong economic recovery, buoyed by strategic fiscal policies, even as other global economies face slower growth.

Cyprus made significant strides in reducing its government debt, with the debt-to-GDP ratio falling to 70.5% by the end of the second quarter of 2024, according to Eurostat. This represents the largest decrease in the eurozone, with a 2.1% drop from Q1 2024 and a notable 10% reduction from Q2 2023.

In contrast, both the eurozone and the EU saw slight increases in their debt-to-GDP ratios. The eurozone’s ratio increased to 88.1% (up from 87.8% in Q1 2024), and the EU’s rose to 81.5% (up from 81.3%).

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Despite Cyprus’ success, some countries continue to struggle with high debt levels. Greece and Italy recorded the highest ratios at 163.6% and 137.0%, respectively. Meanwhile, Bulgaria and Estonia maintained the lowest ratios at 22.1% and 23.8%.

The eurozone’s government debt is largely composed of debt securities, accounting for 84% of the total, while intergovernmental lending made up 1.5% of GDP.

Cyprus’ impressive debt reduction stands in contrast to the increases seen in countries such as Finland and Austria, demonstrating the country’s effective fiscal management amid global economic pressures.

HSBC is undergoing significant changes as part of a strategic restructuring led by new CEO Georges Elhedery. The bank is merging its commercial and investment banking units in a bid to streamline its operations, cut costs, and enhance efficiency. This transformation includes consolidating its business into four divisions: UK, Hong Kong, corporate and institutional banking, and wealth banking. The newly formed corporate and institutional banking division will integrate commercial banking with its global banking and markets business, along with its Western wholesale operations.

A notable aspect of this overhaul is the appointment of Pam Kaur, HSBC’s first female Chief Financial Officer, marking a historic moment for the bank. Kaur, who has been with HSBC since 2013 and currently serves as Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, will step into this leadership role at a time when the bank is under pressure to reduce expenses and optimize its business structure.

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Other leadership shifts include Greg Guyett assuming a new role as Chair of the Strategic Clients Group and the departure of Colin Bell, CEO of HSBC Bank and Europe, who is leaving to pursue other opportunities. HSBC has been gradually reducing its presence in Western markets like the U.S., France, and Canada to focus on its stronger foothold in Asia.

These changes are part of HSBC’s broader efforts to simplify operations and position itself for future success in an increasingly competitive and cost-sensitive environment.

Rafael Nadal expressed heartfelt gratitude to Novak Djokovic as the two tennis legends clashed for the final time at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia. The emotional match, which saw Djokovic win 6-2, 7-6(5), marked the end of one of the sport’s greatest rivalries ahead of Nadal’s retirement.

Nadal, who will retire after the Davis Cup Finals next month, praised Djokovic for pushing him to exceed his limits throughout their 15-year rivalry. Nadal, who won 22 Grand Slam titles before Djokovic surpassed him, said, “Without Novak, I wouldn’t have become the player I am today.”

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Djokovic, in turn, reflected on their fierce but respectful competition, calling it an “incredible honor” and paying tribute to Nadal’s lasting legacy in tennis. The two have met a record 60 times, with Djokovic holding a slight 31-29 edge in their head-to-head matches.

Nadal will play his final professional matches at the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga, bringing a close to his storied career.

Job vacancies in London’s financial services sector dropped by 17% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This decline is largely attributed to inflation, global economic challenges, and post-Brexit adjustments in Britain.

Mark Astbury, Associate Director at Morgan McKinley, explained that companies are becoming increasingly cautious and focusing more on strategic hires rather than aggressive recruitment.

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However, the City of London saw a 7% rise in job vacancies from the previous quarter, driven by growing demand for professionals in regulatory compliance, digital transformation, and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) projects. This surge highlights the specialized roles companies continue to seek despite broader market slowdowns.

The lingering impact of Brexit continues to affect London’s financial center, with the loss of around 40,000 jobs, a figure recently confirmed by the Lord Mayor of the City of London.

Netflix beat Wall Street expectations on both earnings and revenue. The company added 35 million paid subscribers on a year-over-year basis, sending the streaming giant’s stock higher.

KEY FACTS

• Netflix reported earnings of $5.40 per share and revenue of $9.82 billion in the third quarter of 2024 ended Sept. 30, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $5.12 and $9.77 billion, respectively, according to FactSet.
• The company saw a roughly 14% jump in global subscribers to 282 million from 247 million in the third quarter of last year – although subscriber growth slowed as the platform added just over 5 million paid members last quarter, compared to 8 million in the second quarter of 2024 and 8.76 million in the third quarter of 2023.
• Revenues are up 15% year-on-year.
• After months of strong subscriber growth (largely stemming from the introduction of a cheaper advertising tier in May and the implementation of password-sharing measures), the stock hit a record high of $736 last Friday, surpassing its previous high of $733. placed just the day before.

KEY STORY

Analysts had expected the price hike to support strong revenue growth as the explosion in subscriber growth from a crackdown on password sharing began to wane. Netflix’s last major price increase in the US was in October 2023, when it raised the “Basic” plan to $11.99 per month and the “Premium” plan to $22.99 per month. Netflix Originals continued to drive engagement in the third quarter with shows like Emily in Paris Season 4, The Perfect Couple, according to a UBS analyst report.

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KEY FACTS

• The Netherlands has the best pension system in the world, according to the latest annual ranking of the Mercer consulting company and Monash University, Australia, BTA reports.
• The Netherlands tops the ranking, which includes the pension systems of 48 countries, including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, China, and India, the New site reports.
• Finland is second in the ranking, followed by Iceland, Israel and Singapore. At the bottom of the ranking are India, Argentina, Turkey, and the Republic of South Africa.

KEY CONTEXT

According to the researchers, the Dutch pension system is distinguished by the fact that many of the country’s residents accumulate a pension through work. This means that the system has many participants. It also provides good pensions and has good rules.

The researchers see as good the fact that the Netherlands is moving to a new system where the amount of the pension depends more and more on individual choice. The fact that the participants are consulted about this choice is a plus, Mercer reports.

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KEY QUOTE

“Strong regulations and flexibility, for example in relation to the start date, ensure a sustainable pension system,” said pensions expert Mark Hemskerk of Mercer.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

The Netherlands could further improve its pension system by reducing the level of household debt and providing greater protection for members’ accrued benefits. The researchers also recommend introducing pension credits for carers of young children.