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IEA Lowers 2025 Oil Demand Forecasts Amid Energy Transition And Economic Uncertainty

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has recently revised its global oil demand forecasts downward for 2025, reflecting the complex interplay of evolving energy markets, economic conditions, and accelerating climate initiatives. This adjustment signals a significant shift in the global energy landscape, as nations and industries increasingly pivot towards more sustainable and renewable energy sources.

The ongoing global energy transition is one of the primary drivers behind the IEA’s updated forecast. As governments worldwide implement stricter environmental regulations and invest heavily in renewable energy infrastructure, the demand for fossil fuels, including oil, is expected to diminish. The push towards electrification, particularly in the transportation sector, is a key factor in reducing future oil consumption. The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and advancements in battery technology are set to reduce reliance on traditional oil-based fuels, contributing to a slower growth rate in oil demand.

Moreover, economic factors play a crucial role in shaping the IEA’s outlook. The global economy, still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, faces new challenges, including inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions. These issues are creating an environment of uncertainty, dampening investment in oil-dependent industries and potentially slowing economic growth, which in turn affects oil demand.

The IEA’s revised forecast also takes into account the potential for structural changes in energy consumption patterns. As digitalisation and energy efficiency measures become more widespread, industries are likely to reduce their energy intensity, further curbing the oil demand. Additionally, the ongoing shift in consumer behaviour towards sustainability is expected to drive down demand in sectors traditionally reliant on oil.

Despite these downward revisions, the oil industry is not expected to disappear overnight. Oil will continue to play a significant role in the global energy mix for years to come, particularly in sectors where alternatives are not yet economically viable. However, the IEA’s updated forecasts highlight the need for oil producers to adapt to a rapidly changing market, where demand growth is no longer guaranteed.

Bank of Cyprus Upgrade Signals Fresh Optimism For Greek And Cypriot Banks

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Regional Banks Enter A More Favorable Cycle

Bank of Cyprus and Eurobank are well positioned to benefit from a renewed re-rating of Greek and Cypriot bank stocks, according to Cyprus-based investment firm Roemer Capital, which upgraded Bank of Cyprus to a buy rating and reaffirmed its positive view on Eurobank.

The firm cited easing geopolitical tensions, resilient economic growth in Greece and Cyprus, lower funding costs and Greece’s expected transition to developed-market status as the main factors supporting the sector.

Roemer Capital also lowered its cost of equity assumptions, updated its forecasts following first-quarter 2026 results and extended its valuation horizon to the end of 2027, raising target prices across its banking coverage.

Bank Of Cyprus Gets The Largest Upgrade

Bank of Cyprus received the biggest revision, with Roemer Capital upgrading the stock from hold to buy and setting a target price of €11.10, implying potential total upside of 27%.

The firm highlighted the bank’s strong capital generation, profitability and projected 100% dividend payout, describing it as the strongest capital-return story among the banks under coverage. Roemer Capital maintained its buy rating on Eurobank, assigning a target price of €4.90 and forecasting potential upside of 28%. The report said the bank is well placed to benefit from loan growth, improving operating performance and merger-and-acquisition synergies.

National Bank of Greece and Piraeus Bank also retained buy ratings, with expected returns ranging from 25% to 36%. Optima Bank was upgraded to buy, while Alpha Bank remained at hold on valuation grounds.

Why Growth Still Sets The Region Apart

According to Roemer Capital, Greek and Cypriot banks continue to benefit from stronger economic fundamentals than many western European peers. The report pointed to faster economic growth, healthier balance sheets, low levels of non-performing exposures, capital ratios approaching 20% and strong customer deposit bases.

Analysts expect performing loans across the sector to grow at a compound annual rate of 6% to 8% through 2028, supported by private investment, digitalisation, green manufacturing, supply-chain expansion and a gradual recovery in household lending.

The report also said the conclusion of lending under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility is unlikely to materially affect credit growth, as banks have already shifted back towards traditional commercial lending. Roemer Capital expects Euribor to remain between 2.2% and 2.5%, a level it believes should support both lending activity and net interest margins.

Geopolitics, Valuation And Market Structure Support The Case

The report said improving geopolitical conditions have strengthened the investment outlook, noting that Brent crude prices have largely returned to pre-war levels while Greek government bond yields have stabilised at around 3.5%. Although geopolitical risks remain, Roemer Capital believes the likelihood of a major inflationary shock or significant pressure on bank profitability has eased.

Another important catalyst identified by the firm is Greece’s expected promotion to developed-market status by FTSE Russell, STOXX and MSCI over the coming months.

According to the report, the reclassification should improve liquidity and attract a broader base of international investors. Roemer Capital also said Euronext’s acquisition of the Athens Exchange is expected to strengthen market infrastructure and increase international visibility, particularly for Bank of Cyprus and Optima Bank.

The firm noted that Bank of Cyprus has already benefited from its Athens listing, with average daily trading value increasing from less than €400,000 before its September 2024 move to nearly €6 million afterwards.

Economic Momentum Remains A Core Tailwind

Roemer Capital said both Greece and Cyprus have moved beyond post-crisis recovery and are now supported by private-sector-led growth. For Cyprus, the report highlighted recent tax reform and efforts to simplify the legal and regulatory framework, while also noting that limited foreign banking competition continues to support domestic lenders.

Overall, Roemer Capital expects Greek and Cypriot banks to remain well-positioned for profitable loan growth over the coming years.

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