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Cyprus Ship Registry Achieves 14% Growth In 2024

Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis reported that the Cyprus ship registry had grown 14% since September 2023 during a discussion of the Ministry’s 2025 budget at the Finance Committee of the House of Representatives. She described this milestone as a testament to the effectiveness of the Ministry’s strategic initiatives.

Since September 2023, 161 vessels, with a combined capacity exceeding 4 million tons, have been registered under the Cyprus flag. Hadjimanolis attributed this success to targeted outreach to new markets in Asia and the Americas, addressing challenges posed by Turkey’s embargo on Cypriot-flagged ships.

The Deputy Ministry’s proposed budget for 2025 includes €18.5 million in expenditures, with 55% allocated to advancing its primary strategic goals. Among the most significant investments is the €5.5 million subsidy for the Limassol-Piraeus ferry service, which will continue operations for three more years.

These results highlight Cyprus’ growing reputation as a key player in global maritime trade, focusing on expanding market opportunities and sustaining vital shipping links.

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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