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Cyprus Economy Poised for Robust 2.9 Percent Growth in 2025, IMF Forecasts

IMF Report Endorses Cyprus’s Economic Resilience

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos welcomed the International Monetary Fund’s latest forecasts as a clear affirmation of Cyprus’s prudent fiscal strategy and continued economic resilience. Speaking at the Presidential Palace following a cabinet meeting, the minister noted that the IMF’s conservative projections actually underscore the nation’s strong economic fundamentals.

Conservative Projections Validate Government Estimates

Keravnos highlighted that IMF forecasts, typically cautious by nature, confirm the government’s optimistic outlook, with the fund now projecting a 2.9 percent GDP growth rate in 2025, slightly above previous estimates. The IMF also anticipates a sustained performance into 2026 with a 2.8 percent expansion, reflecting the country’s commitment to fiscal discipline and stable growth amid global economic uncertainties.

Favorable Outlook on Inflation and Employment

The latest IMF forecast projects an inflation decline to a mere 0.7 percent in 2025—the lowest rate in the euro area—before modestly rising to 1.3 percent in 2026. Moreover, unemployment is expected to remain robustly low, around 4.5 percent, with fiscal surpluses averaging approximately 3 percent of GDP over the period from 2025 to 2028. These figures underpin the governmental claim that the country’s measured policies are successfully weathering global headwinds.

Global Perspectives and Domestic Strength

While the IMF warns of a slight slowdown in global economic growth—from 3.3 percent in 2024 to 3.1 percent by 2026—the report positions Cyprus among the euro area’s more stable economies. The nation’s domestic demand and thriving services sector continue to buoy growth, even as challenges such as expanding current account deficits, driven by increased imports and heightened service activity, loom on the horizon.

Strategic Implications for Policy and Investment

The IMF’s favorable economic outlook for Cyprus lends credence to both governmental forecasts and the strategic initiatives that have been instrumental in steering the economy through turbulent times. This robust projection not only reassures investors of Cyprus’s economic trajectory but also reinforces the importance of disciplined policy measures in sustaining long-term growth, especially amidst global economic volatility.

Mercedes-Benz Posts Higher Profit Despite China Slowdown

Mercedes-Benz reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, lifting its shares on Tuesday despite mounting pressure from Chinese automakers and a weaker outlook for sales and revenue.

The earnings provided a boost for Europe’s auto sector, where manufacturers continue to grapple with tariffs, softer demand and intensifying competition from Chinese rivals. Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have all accelerated restructuring efforts in response.

Cost Discipline Lifts Quarterly Profit

Mercedes-Benz shares rose as much as 5.9% following the results before trimming gains to trade 3.5% higher by 1118 GMT. The company reaffirmed its profit margin guidance for its core passenger car business after reporting an adjusted return on sales of 4.0% for the second quarter, above market expectations and within its 3% to 5% target range.

“In an environment where some automakers are ringing alarm bells on their competitive positioning, Mercedes delivered a clear and confident message,” Morningstar analyst Rella Suskin said.

Second-quarter operating profit increased 22% to €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion), despite a 3% decline in revenue. Lower administrative and research and development costs, together with strong performances from the financial services and vans divisions, supported earnings, while the results also included a €131 million gain related to the planned sale of leasing subsidiary Athlon.

China Remains The Key Pressure Point

Despite stronger profitability, Mercedes continues to face a challenging market environment. Sales in China fell 30% during the second quarter, prompting the company to abandon earlier expectations for stable car sales and group revenue. It now expects both to decline slightly from a year earlier.

BMW also lowered its outlook in June following a deeper-than-expected slowdown in China, highlighting the pressure facing Germany’s premium carmakers. At the same time, Mercedes said Chinese manufacturers are increasingly expanding into European markets, although Chief Executive Ola Kaellenius said their focus remains on higher-volume segments rather than the premium market.

“But that is not a reason to sit back and be relaxed,” he said.

Manufacturing Shift Continues

Mercedes is also reshaping its manufacturing footprint. The company said its German factories will undergo a more aggressive push toward leaner production, although it declined to provide further details while talks with labour representatives continue. Production is also being expanded in lower-cost Eastern European locations, including Hungary, where the company is increasing capacity at its Kecskemet plant, as well as in Poland.

Chief Financial Officer Harald Wilhelm said the full-year margin for the passenger car division is expected to come in at the lower end of the company’s guidance range, reflecting a higher share of electric vehicle sales in Europe, which remain more expensive to produce and continue to weigh on profitability.

“We must continue to work flat out to reduce costs so that we can remain competitive on the prices of our products,” Kaellenius said.

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