Cyprus Economy: Strong Growth Ahead Despite Structural Challenges

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 17, 2025

Cyprus is poised to sustain strong economic growth in the coming years, according to a recent report from the Canadian rating agency Morningstar DBRS. The agency also predicts a steady decline in unemployment, which is expected to bolster the nation’s fiscal performance.

Despite these positive projections, the report highlights persistent hurdles facing the Cypriot economy. As a small, service-driven market, Cyprus remains highly susceptible to external shocks. Additionally, while strides have been made to reduce non-performing loans (NPLs), their levels still exceed the Eurozone average. Challenges in labour market productivity further restrict the nation’s economic potential.

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

On a brighter note, progress in addressing NPLs has been significant. Data from the Central Bank of Cyprus show that NPL ratios in approved credit institutions dropped to 6.8% in August 2024, a dramatic reduction from 43.7% at the end of 2017. This improvement represents an €18.9 billion decrease in absolute terms.

Morningstar DBRS anticipates this downward trajectory to persist but acknowledges that eliminating the remaining NPLs will require time. By mid-2024, credit acquisition companies managed exposures of approximately €21 billion, with 94% classified as non-performing.

The report also notes delays faced by KEDIPES, the state-owned asset management company. Challenges such as foreclosure moratoriums, the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical tensions have pushed the company’s operational deadline to 2030.

Housing prices, meanwhile, have shown sustained growth. As of Q2 2024, property prices in Cyprus rose by an annual rate of 8.0%, with house prices increasing by 6.2% and apartment prices surging by 12.0%. Most of the real estate collateral tied to NPLs consists of residential properties, with Nicosia and Limassol identified as the most stable markets on the island.

While structural vulnerabilities persist, Morningstar DBRS’s analysis underscores Cyprus’ resilience and ability to adapt. Continued efforts to address NPLs, coupled with a robust housing market and improved employment metrics, suggest the nation is on a steady path toward economic stability and growth.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Blue-Collar Renaissance: AT&T’s Bold Strategic Shift In The AI Era

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 19, 2026

The American labour market is undergoing a significant shift as employers increasingly prioritise technical and practical skills alongside the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence across industries. Companies, including AT&T are expanding recruitment efforts focused on skilled technicians rather than relying primarily on traditional four-year degree pathways, reflecting broader changes in workforce demand.

Blue-Collar Talent: The New Engine Of Growth

From infrastructure installation to electrical systems and photonics, employers are increasingly searching for workers with specialised hands-on expertise. AT&T Chief Executive Officer John Stankey recently said the company’s future growth will depend heavily on recruiting workers with practical technical skills. Other major companies, including Nvidia and JPMorgan Chase, are also placing greater emphasis on technical and trade-related roles as artificial intelligence reshapes labour needs.

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

Recalibrating The American Dream

For decades, a university degree was widely viewed as the primary path toward economic mobility in the United States. The growing adoption of AI across business operations, however, is changing hiring patterns and reducing demand for some traditional entry-level white-collar roles. At the same time, rising tuition costs and growing student debt have intensified debates around the long-term economic value of conventional higher education pathways.

Transforming Entry-Level Career Paths

Recent labour market data point to widening differences between employment trends in blue-collar and white-collar sectors. While graduates entering industries vulnerable to automation are facing slower hiring conditions, demand for infrastructure and construction-related roles linked to data centres and energy projects continues growing. Industry leaders increasingly argue that future entry-level roles will favour workers capable of combining technical expertise with the ability to manage and work alongside AI systems.

Investing In The Future: Training And Retention

AT&T recently announced plans to invest $250 billion in expanding its fibre network infrastructure. The company said around 15% of the investment will support hiring and training programmes focused on developing skilled technical workers. The initiatives come as the United States continues facing shortages across several skilled trades, with the U.S. Department of Education previously warning that millions of related positions could remain unfilled by 2030.

A New Era For American Work

The shift in hiring priorities is prompting broader discussions around the relationship between academic credentials and workforce readiness. As employers increasingly recognise alternative career pathways, educational institutions and companies are reassessing how technical training, apprenticeships and digital skills programmes fit into the future labour market. Industry experts say workers capable of combining practical expertise with AI-supported workflows are likely to become increasingly valuable as automation continues to reshape the economy.

Breaking news