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Cyprus Sees Decline In Loans And Rise In Deposits In October 2024

Cyprus experienced contrasting financial trends in October 2024, with total loans decreasing by €213 million while deposits increased by €377.6 million, according to data released by the Central Bank of Cyprus.

Deposits on the Rise

Total deposits reached €54.6 billion in October, recording a net increase of €377.6 million compared to a €485.7 million rise in September. The annual growth rate of deposits climbed to 5.4%, up from 4.5% the previous month.

Deposits by Cypriot residents contributed significantly, with an increase of €230.2 million. Within this category:

  • Household deposits rose by €64.9 million.
  • Deposits from non-financial corporations increased by €115.8 million.
  • Other domestic sectors added €49.4 million to the total.

Loans Continue to Decline

The total loan portfolio shrank to €24.8 billion in October, following a €213 million net decrease, in contrast to a €107.3 million increase in September. The annual growth rate of loans remained steady at 2%.

Loans to Cypriot residents dropped by €130.4 million, with mixed performance across sectors:

  • Household loans saw a modest increase of €9.4 million.
  • Loans to non-financial corporations declined sharply by €132.2 million.
  • Other domestic sectors recorded a €7.6 million reduction in loans.

Key Insights

The data suggests a cautious approach by borrowers amid economic conditions, alongside growing confidence in savings, as reflected by the increase in deposits. This trend highlights a shift in financial behaviour within Cyprus, with implications for lending strategies and deposit incentives in the coming months.

Bitcoin Surges 23% In A Week As Investor Optimism Returns

Bitcoin was on track for a weekly gain of around 23% on Friday as a series of positive macroeconomic and policy developments boosted investor sentiment.

The cryptocurrency was trading about 6% higher at roughly $77,000, up from around $62,800 at the start of the week. Crypto-related stocks also rallied, with Coinbase and Circle gaining more than 9%, while Strategy rose 7%.

Macro Factors Fuel Rally

Bitcoin’s latest surge began Wednesday after Treasury yields fell sharply following a major intervention by the U.S. Treasury in the bond market. Lower yields eased pressure on risk assets and helped trigger a broader move into cryptocurrencies.

The rally was further amplified by a major short squeeze. Around $2.7 billion in crypto short positions were liquidated, according to CoinGlass.

Max Stuedlein, head of Partnerships at Sygnum APAC, said the move reflected an alignment of macroeconomic and policy catalysts, including the Treasury’s decision to increase buybacks of longer-dated government debt.

Clarity Act Boosts Sentiment

Investor confidence improved further on Thursday as the White House and crypto industry leaders made a final push to advance the Clarity Act in the coming weeks.

The legislation is widely viewed as a potential catalyst for the crypto market, although its chances of passing remain relatively limited.

Despite the rally, bitcoin remains well below its 2026 high of $94,820 reached in January and its all-time high of $126,198, set last October.

Analysts See More Volatility Ahead

Lucy Gazmararian, founder and managing partner at Token Bay Capital, said the crypto market may be approaching the end of its bear cycle.

She expects bitcoin could experience one more decline of around 20% before the market turns, pointing to historical cycles and the recent liquidation of heavily leveraged short positions.

Gazmararian also described bitcoin as a long-term hedge against monetary debasement, while warning that its short-term price remains highly volatile and driven by market cycles.

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