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Cyprus Announces Largest Pension Increase Since 1996

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

In a significant move to enhance the financial well-being of its retirees, Cyprus has approved a notable increase in pensions, set to take effect in January 2025. Labour and Social Insurance Minister Yiannis Panayiotou detailed the adjustments, highlighting a 5.94% rise in the basic component and a 1.49% boost in the supplementary component of Social Insurance Fund pensions. 

This adjustment marks the most substantial increase in the basic pension segment since 1996, reflecting the positive trajectory of the Cypriot economy. Minister Panayiotou emphasized that the government’s citizen-centric policies are yielding tangible benefits, significantly enhancing daily life. 

The specifics of the pension adjustments are as follows:

  • Full Basic Pension: Monthly payments will rise from €483.77 to €512.50.
  • Minimum Pension for Beneficiaries Without Dependents: An increase from €411.20 to €435.62 per month, impacting over 14,000 individuals.
  • Social Pension: A boost from €391.85 to €415.13 monthly, benefiting nearly 18,000 recipients. 

These enhancements are directly linked to the recent growth in average insurable earnings, which have seen the most significant rise in the past three decades. Minister Panayiotou noted that the average salary increase in 2023 surpassed those of the previous 30 years, leading to a corresponding uplift in pension contributions. 

The government remains committed to further strengthening the adequacy of wages and pensions, ensuring that economic progress translates into improved living standards for all citizens.

MENA Tech Index Fell 4.6% In July, But Outperformed Global Tech

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

The MAGNiTT Tech Index fell 4.6% in July, marking its second consecutive monthly decline as technology stocks weakened across global markets. MGTI closed the month at 165.24, down 4.76% in 2026 and 24.88% from its January 2025 peak.

Despite the decline, the index remained 65.24% above its January 2023 inception level. Its lower correlation with global technology benchmarks also limited its exposure to the broader technology sell-off.

Saudi Technology Stocks Lead The Decline

Saudi technology companies accounted for much of July’s decline. Nice One fell 21.3%, Jahez dropped 17.2%, and Rasan declined 15.7%, while Talabat gave back part of its second-quarter recovery.

Only three of the index’s 15 constituents ended July higher. MGTI also underperformed regional equity markets, with Saudi Arabia falling 1.89% and Dubai declining 2.69% during the month.

MGTI Shows Lower Correlation With Global Tech

July marked a reversal in global technology stocks, with MSCI EM IT falling 12.81% and MSCI ACWI IT declining 5.64%. MGTI’s lower correlation with those benchmarks limited the decline, with a correlation of 0.36 to MSCI EM IT.

The index also has limited exposure to semiconductors and large-cap AI companies that have driven much of the recent global technology rally. Its performance therefore differs from the broader global technology cycle.

MGTI Remains Above Its 2023 Level

MGTI has gained 65.24% since its January 2023 inception despite its recent declines. The index entered August down 4.76% for 2026 and nearly 25% below its January 2025 peak.

The MAGNiTT Tech Index July 2026 Monthly Update includes constituent-level performance, regional and global benchmark comparisons, and data on correlation, beta and volatility.

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