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Ozzy Osbourne Marks Final Performance With Black Sabbath Reunion In July

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 6, 2025

After two decades, heavy metal legends Black Sabbath are set to reunite with their original line-up for a one-off concert, Back to the Beginning, which will be held at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, on July 5. The iconic band, featuring Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, will perform together for the first time since 2005, marking a significant moment in the history of heavy metal.

The band, known for pioneering the heavy metal genre in the early 1970s, will bring back their legendary sound with classic hits such as “War Pigs,” “Paranoid,” and “Iron Man.” While Black Sabbath has had partial reunions in the years since its last full performance, this concert will feature all the original members of the group, making it a highly anticipated event for fans worldwide.

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Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife, manager, and TV personality, confirmed that this would be the final performance for the 76-year-old frontman. Although other members of Black Sabbath may continue to make music and perform, the show in Birmingham will mark the end of Ozzy Osbourne’s live performance career. Sharon described this concert as a farewell for Ozzy, stating, “For Ozzy right now, it’s definitely: ‘I love you and good night.'”

Osbourne has been a constant presence in music, continuing to release Grammy-winning albums, despite his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2020. However, his public appearances have become fewer over the years, and this concert is set to be a major moment in his career.

The “Back to the Beginning” concert will also serve a charitable purpose, with profits from the show donated to causes such as Cure Parkinson’s. The event will feature an impressive line-up of rock and heavy metal icons, including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Lamb Of God, and Anthrax, making it a must-see for metal fans.

Osbourne, who left Black Sabbath in 1979 to pursue a successful solo career, expressed his deep connection to Birmingham, calling it the “true home of metal.” He shared his gratitude for returning to his roots, saying, “How blessed am I to do it with the help of people whom I love.”

Sharon Osbourne added that her husband is doing well and is extremely excited about the upcoming performance, which has given him a renewed sense of energy. Tickets for the concert will go on sale on February 14, and with the promise of a once-in-a-lifetime reunion, it’s sure to be a sell-out event.

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Cyprus’ Economic Resilience Affirmed: Fitch Confirms ‘A-‘ Rating Amid Fiscal Strength

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 24, 2025

Strong Fiscal Fundamentals and Robust Economic Growth

The international credit ratings agency Fitch has affirmed Cyprus’ long-term rating at A- with a stable outlook. This decision reflects the nation’s strong public finances, a significant reduction in debt levels, and steady economic growth. Officials at the finance ministry welcomed the move, describing it as a robust vote of confidence in the government’s prudent economic policies.

Notable Budget Surpluses and Debt Reduction

Fitch highlights Cyprus’ high primary budget surplus, projected at 4.3% of GDP for 2024, alongside a dramatic drop in public debt from 73.6% of GDP in 2023 to 65.3% by year-end. The surplus soared to 5.6%, marking the highest level in nearly two decades, largely due to rising revenues and disciplined spending. The agency forecasts continuous improvement with debt falling further to 52.6% of GDP in 2026 and potentially nearing 45% by 2030, assuming current trends persist.

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Economic Performance and Labor Market Strength

Cyprus’ economy is projected to grow at 3% for both 2025 and 2026, following a 3.4% expansion in 2024. A robust services sector and a healthy labor market are propelling this growth, with employment rising by 2% in 2024 and unemployment declining to 4.5%, close to record lows.

Market Vulnerabilities and External Challenges

Despite these positive developments, Fitch underscored persistent vulnerabilities, including a high current account deficit — estimated at around 7% of GDP over the coming years. This deficit, among the highest in the EU, is offset by sustained foreign direct investment (FDI) flowing into a diverse range of sectors. Additionally, while Cyprus’ banking system remains stable with a top-tier CET1 ratio of 24.5% and declining non-performing loans, long-term risks persist due to governance issues relative to other A-rated peers and exposure to regional geopolitical tensions.

Outlook and Policy Implications

Although Fitch’s model initially rated Cyprus at A, external risks necessitated a one-notch reduction. Future upgrades will hinge on continued debt reduction and narrowing the external deficit. Conversely, a downturn in public finances or a severe external shock could precipitate a downgrade. The finance ministry stated that the report is a testament to Cyprus’ steady economic trajectory, highlighting the ongoing commitment to responsible fiscal management as essential for bolstering both competitiveness and stability.

In conclusion, the agency’s assessment reinforces Cyprus’ sound economic fundamentals, while also flagging areas that require ongoing vigilance. As the government continues to implement strategic economic reforms, the outlook remains cautiously optimistic amid the broader global economic uncertainties.