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Cyprus Tops EU in GDP Growth

Cyprus has emerged as a leader in economic growth within the European Union, achieving the fastest GDP growth rates across member states. According to George Papanastasiou, Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, the nation’s success is a testament to the business community’s hard work and innovative strategies.  

Recent Eurostat data highlights Cyprus’s 3.8% year-on-year GDP growth for the third quarter of 2024, placing the country at the top of EU economic rankings. Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Larnaca Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Minister Papanastasiou celebrated this achievement as a reflection of the country’s robust economic framework and commitment to progress.  

He further noted Cyprus’s thriving export performance, with data showing a 4% increase in exports from January to July 2024, reaching €1.22 billion. This growth underscores the nation’s efforts to strengthen its international trade footprint.  

To ensure sustained success, the Ministry is advancing a new Strategy and Action Plan to promote service exports in key industries. At the heart of these initiatives is the introduction of a “Made in Cyprus” brand, designed to elevate the visibility of Cypriot products and services in global markets. Initially covering industrial goods, agricultural products, manufactured goods, and local handicrafts, the brand will eventually expand to include the services sector.  

Minister Papanastasiou expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the government’s dedication to creating more opportunities for success and fostering a competitive, export-driven economy. Cyprus’s strong performance sets a benchmark for growth and innovation in the region.

Bitcoin Surpasses $94,000 For The First Time

Bitcoin surged to a historic high of over $94,000, fueled by reports that Donald Trump’s media company is negotiating to acquire the crypto trading firm Bakkt. The news has raised optimism for a cryptocurrency-friendly environment under the incoming Trump administration.  

The world’s largest cryptocurrency has more than doubled in value this year, last trading at $92,104 during Wednesday’s Asian session after hitting $94,078 late the previous day.  

According to *The Financial Times*, Trump Media and Technology Group, the operator of Truth Social, is nearing an all-stock deal to acquire Bakkt, a firm backed by Intercontinental Exchange, the owner of the New York Stock Exchange.  

Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG, credited Bitcoin’s new record to the Trump deal reports and the first day of options trading on the Nasdaq for BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF.  

Cryptocurrencies have been rallying since the U.S. election on November 5, as traders anticipate a more relaxed regulatory approach under President-elect Trump. This has injected new momentum into Bitcoin following months of stagnation.  

The excitement has propelled the global cryptocurrency market’s value to an all-time high of over $3 trillion, according to CoinGecko.  

Chris Weston, head of research at Australian broker Pepperstone, noted strong buying pressure for Bitcoin, adding, “Another kick higher should bring in fresh interest from those who chase strength.”

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