Cyprus Economy Faces Pressure From Geopolitical Risk, Inflation And Energy Costs

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 3, 2026

Businesses In Trade, Tourism And Real Estate Face The Greatest Risks

Businesses in trade, tourism and real estate, together with lower-income households, remain the most exposed parts of the Cypriot economy as geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures and elevated energy prices continue to weigh on the outlook.

In its latest Financial Stability Report, the Central Bank of Cyprus said stronger corporate and household balance sheets and continued lending growth have improved resilience, but companies in these sectors remain particularly vulnerable to weaker external demand, higher energy costs and any further escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Lending Continues To Grow

Businesses in the most exposed sectors continue to carry relatively high debt levels and limited cash reserves, making them more sensitive to economic shocks. By contrast, firms in information and communication, professional and technical services, as well as transportation and storage, appear better positioned thanks to lower leverage and stronger liquidity.

Financing conditions remained supportive throughout 2025, with new business lending reaching a record €3 billion and household lending totaling €1.8 billion. Banks also maintained strict lending standards, helping contain the risk of new non-performing loans.

Lower-Income Households Remain More Vulnerable

A resilient labour market supported household incomes during 2025, but gains were uneven. Income rose by 3.9% for lower-income households, compared with 7.1% for higher-income groups, leaving more vulnerable families less able to absorb future shocks.

The central bank also warned that renewed inflation or higher borrowing costs would place additional pressure on heavily indebted households and those with limited savings.

Deposits Continue To Strengthen Resilience

Corporate deposits increased by 17.5% in 2025, the fastest annual growth since 2018, while household deposits rose by 6.2%, strengthening liquidity across the private sector.

Although the direct impact of U.S. trade policy on Cyprus is expected to remain limited, the report said indirect effects, including higher energy prices, supply-chain disruptions, weaker external demand and softer investor sentiment, could weigh on economic activity and financial stability.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Shein Targets $25 Billion Valuation In Hong Kong IPO As Growth Slows

by News Editor

August 17, 2026

Shein is reportedly targeting a valuation of around $25 billion in its planned Hong Kong IPO, a sharp decline from the nearly $100 billion valuation the online fashion retailer achieved in a 2022 fundraising round.

Two people familiar with the plans said the company was likely to target about $25 billion, while another source put the expected range at $25 billion to $28 billion based on the proposed price band.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

IPO Valuation Falls Sharply

Shein plans to sell up to 8% of its shares in the offering, according to a person familiar with the plans. At a $25 billion valuation, that would translate into an IPO of as much as $2 billion.

The latest target is also below the $30 billion to $40 billion valuation the company was seeking earlier this month as it began meeting with potential investors.

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein sells low-cost clothing to consumers in about 160 countries. The company is expected to launch its long-awaited Hong Kong IPO later this week.

Trade Restrictions Weigh On Growth

Shein’s valuation has come under pressure as major markets tighten rules affecting low-cost e-commerce shipments. The European Union, for example, has moved to impose additional fees on cheap parcels from platforms such as Shein and Temu. EU Tightens Rules On Low-Cost E-Commerce Parcels

In the U.S., the removal of an import duty exemption for small packages has also affected the company. Shein reported a $99 million quarterly loss in the first quarter of 2026 as sales growth slowed, while a one-time accounting charge further weighed on its results. Shein Reports First-Quarter Loss Ahead Of IPO

Investors Question Shein’s Growth Prospects

The steep reduction in valuation reflects growing concerns over slower growth, higher trade costs, regulatory pressure and stronger competition across global e-commerce.

Some investors who reviewed Shein’s recent financial statements or attended IPO presentations told Reuters they were skeptical that the company could return to the growth rates that supported its $98.2 billion valuation in 2022. Shein’s Slowing Growth Tests Investor Appetite

A lower IPO valuation could also affect Shein’s existing investors. Under the terms of its IPO filing, the company may have to issue additional shares to certain pre-IPO investors if its valuation falls below agreed thresholds.

Breaking news