Breaking news

Cyprus Stock Exchange Records Significant Increase By 12.87% In May

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 13, 2024

A significant increase of 12.87% was recorded in the Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) during May, mainly driven by the rise in financial companies, which accounted for 77.54% of the monthly trading volume.

The weight of Bank of Cyprus and Hellenic Bank stocks was particularly notable.

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

According to a monthly review issued by CSE in the latest trading session of May 2024, the financial markets experienced a significant surge, with the General Index reaching 163.35 points, marking a notable 12.87% increase from the previous month. This upswing was accompanied by a substantial rise in the total value of shares traded, which increased by 51.28% compared to the preceding month.

However, despite the increase the highest level that the General Index reached for the month was 166,62 points. The other Market Indices reached the following levels: Main Market reached 127.47, Alternative Market 1,314.80, and Investment Companies 1.916,24 points. On a sectoral level, the Hotels Index reached 923.57 points. The FTSE/CySE20 reached 99.30 points. The market capitalisation of shares reached € 4.62 billion. According to this month’s results, the Main Market accounted for 21.28% of the total market capitalisation, the Alternative Market 6.23%, the Surveillance Market 0.49% and the Bond Market 72.01%.

Moreover, the total market capitalisation including the Bond Market reached € 16.52 billion compared to € 15.91 billion the previous month, registering an increase of 3.81%. The total value of transactions during the month in review reached € 17.41 million, with an average of € 0.92 million per trading session.

The Financials sector contributed 77.54% to the total value traded which was the highest among all other sectors. Investors primarily focused their interest on the shares of “Bank of Cyprus Holdings Plc” and also on shares of “Hellenic Bank Public Company Ltd” with 42.53% and 29.09% of the total value respectively.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Construction Trends: Permit Count Slips While Value and Scale Surge in 2025

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 11, 2025

The Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat) has reported a notable shift in the construction landscape for 2025. The latest figures reveal a modest 1.9% decline in building permits issued in March compared to the same month last year, signaling a nuanced trend in the nation’s developmental activities.

Permit Count Decline in March

In March 2025, authorities authorised 572 building permits—down from 583 in March 2024. The permits, which total a value of €361.5 million and cover 296,900 square metres of construction, underscore a cautious pace in permit approval despite ongoing projects. Notably, these permits are set to facilitate the construction of 1,480 dwelling units, reflecting an underlying demand in the housing sector.

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

Q1 2025: Growth in Value, Construction Area, and Dwelling Units

While the number of permits in the first quarter (January to March) decreased by 15.8% from 1,876 to 1,580, more significant, economically relevant metrics saw robust growth. Total permit value surged by 21.7%, and the authorised construction area expanded by 15.6%. Additionally, the number of prospective dwelling units increased by 16.7% compared to the corresponding period last year. This divergence suggests that although fewer permits were issued, the scale and ambition of the approved projects have intensified.

New Regulatory Framework and the Ippodamos System

Since 1 July 2024, a pivotal transition has taken place in permit administration. The responsibility for issuing permits has moved from municipalities and district administration offices to the newly established local government organisations (EOAs). The integrated information system, Ippodamos, now oversees the licensing process, streamlining data collection on both residential and non-residential projects across urban and rural areas.

Comprehensive Data Collection for Enhanced Oversight

The Ippodamos system categorises construction projects using the EU Classification of Types of Construction (CC). This platform gathers extensive data on the number of permits authorised, project area and value, and the expected number of dwelling units. It covers a broad spectrum of construction activities—from new builds and civil engineering projects to plot divisions and road construction—while excluding renewals and building divisions. The thoroughness of this new regulatory structure promises greater operational transparency and more informed decision-making for policymakers and industry stakeholders.