Breaking news

Cyprus Keeps A3 Rating As Moody’s Highlights Fiscal Strength

Moody’s Confirms Steady Rating In A Turbulent Global Environment

The Republic of Cyprus has maintained its A3 sovereign rating, as confirmed by Moody’s in its latest periodic review issued on May 29, 2026. This affirmation underscores the sturdy foundations of Cyprus’s economy, even as it navigates challenges posed by protracted geopolitical tensions and short-term headwinds in tourism and inflation.

Solid Economic Fundamentals And Fiscal Management

The review highlights several key strengths of the Cypriot economy:

  • Robust institutional capacity with sound policy-making.
  • Continued decline in public debt levels supported by strong sustainability metrics.
  • An economically diversified growth trajectory that remains largely in line with forecast expectations.
  • A resilient banking sector characterized by strong capital adequacy and improved profitability.

Despite these achievements, the review also notes challenges, including the vulnerabilities associated with a small economy, fiscal pressures from public spending, the potential slowdown in growth due to Middle Eastern conflicts, and lingering risks in the banking sector.

Future Policy And Economic Outlook

Moody’s indicates that further upward revisions may be possible if Cyprus demonstrates:

  • Stronger-than-expected fiscal performance and improved public debt metrics, and
  • A higher mid-term growth trajectory fueled by both public and private investment alongside a more favorable labor market environment.

An adverse deviation in fiscal outcomes or a widening public debt burden, however, could exert downward pressure on the nation’s rating.

Commitment To Responsible Fiscal Policy

Cyprus’s government remains steadfast in its commitment to proactive fiscal and macroeconomic policies. These efforts have not only equipped the state with robust tools to manage international crises but have also bolstered the nation’s macroeconomic stability and supported inclusive social policy aimed at protecting the most vulnerable segments of society.

Leadership Endorsement And Strategic Vision

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said the rating affirmation reflects the strength of Cyprus’ economic fundamentals while highlighting the need to maintain prudent fiscal management in the years ahead. According to Keravnos, preserving fiscal discipline and responsible public finances remains essential to safeguarding the country’s investment-grade status and supporting future upgrades.

President Nikos Christodoulides also welcomed Moody’s decision, describing it as an important signal of confidence in the Cypriot economy at a time of heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty. He said the review validates the government’s fiscal policies and supports efforts to strengthen investor confidence, while creating additional scope for targeted economic and social measures aimed at supporting households and businesses.

Moody’s latest assessment leaves Cyprus’ rating unchanged while outlining the factors that could influence future upgrades or downgrades.

Why Investors Keep Buying Premier League Clubs Despite Heavy Losses

Fenway Sports Group’s sale of a minority stake in Liverpool Football Club to a consortium including Jeff Bezos shows why investors continue to see value in English soccer despite mounting losses.

The deal valued Liverpool at more than $7 billion, giving FSG a major return after buying the club for £300 million in 2010. Since then, Liverpool has won multiple domestic and European trophies, while the value of elite football clubs has climbed sharply.

That growth comes despite worsening finances across the Premier League. Deloitte found that the 20 clubs recorded combined pre-tax losses of £948 million in the 2024/25 season, more than six times the previous year’s figure. Only eight clubs reported an operating profit, compared with 13 a season earlier.

Rising player transfer fees are a major driver of costs, but profitability is only part of the equation for investors.

Why Club Values Keep Rising

Elite football clubs are increasingly seen as scarce assets with global audiences, powerful brands and multiple revenue streams. Their value can therefore rise even when day-to-day operations remain unprofitable.

“Even if you’re not making a profit day-in, day-out, the value of the asset is still going up,” Richard Haigh, global managing director at Brand Finance, told CNBC.

The Premier League’s international reach also makes its clubs attractive to sponsors and investors, while the limited number of top-tier teams adds to their appeal.

Turning Stadiums Into Year-Round Businesses

Investors are also looking beyond matchday revenue, seeking to turn stadiums and surrounding real estate into year-round businesses.

“The other thing that American sports do incredibly well, which investors are looking to do in Europe, is that the stadium and surrounding real estate is a 24/7, 365-day revenue generator,” said Lewis Gaut, a sports finance specialist at Goodwin.

Tottenham Hotspur’s £1.2 billion stadium is one example. Its commercial income rose from £117 million in 2018 to £215 million in 2022, according to UBS. The venue now hosts major concerts and NFL games.

Manchester United is pursuing a similar strategy with plans for a new 100,000-seat stadium as part of a wider regeneration project, estimated to cost around £2 billion.

The shift reflects a broader view of football clubs as scarce assets that can generate revenue from real estate, entertainment, sponsorships and other businesses.

For investors, that means operating losses do not necessarily make a club unattractive if its underlying value continues to grow and new revenue streams can make the business more sustainable.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Uol
eCredo
Aretilaw firm

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter