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Cyprus Leading Economic Index Extends Decline Amid External Pressures

Cyprus’ Composite Leading Economic Index (CCLEI) remained in negative territory in June 2026, declining 0.65% year on year, according to the Economics Research Centre of the University of Cyprus (CypERC).

External Pressures Continue To Shape The Outlook

Although the index remained below its level a year earlier, CypERC said the pace of decline moderated in June, suggesting some easing in the downward trend.

The research centre nevertheless warned that external economic and geopolitical conditions continue to weigh on Cyprus’ short-term economic outlook.

Sentiment, Energy Costs And Tourism Weigh On The Index

According to the report, the annual decline was driven by weaker economic sentiment, higher Brent crude oil prices, lower temperature-adjusted electricity production and fewer tourist arrivals.

A key factor was the weighted Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI), which combines confidence measures for Cyprus and the euro area and remained below its June 2025 level.

Domestic Indicators Provide Support

Several domestic indicators helped offset part of the decline. Higher credit card spending, stronger retail sales and an increase in property sales contracts all contributed positively to the index.

Those gains indicate that consumer spending and property market activity remained relatively resilient despite a more challenging external environment.

The CCLEI is designed to signal turning points in the Cypriot business cycle by tracking a range of domestic and international indicators, including economic sentiment, tourism, property transactions, retail sales, electricity production and Brent crude oil prices.

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

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.

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.

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