Breaking news

University of Cyprus ERC Boosts 2024 Economic Growth Forecast to 3.5%

The University of Cyprus Economic Research Centre (ERC) has updated its 2024 economic growth forecast for Cyprus, projecting a rise to 3.5% due to favorable economic conditions observed in early and mid-2024. The projection for 2025 remains steady at 3.3%. Key growth drivers include a stable labor market, controlled inflation, and lower interest rates, while ongoing positive trends in tourism, consumer spending, and vehicle registrations further boost economic activity. The ERC also mentions potential risks, including external economic conditions, fiscal policies, and geopolitical events that could impact growth stability.

ERC reports robust domestic indicators for the third quarter of 2024, including higher tourist arrivals, increased property transactions, and a reduction in unemployment. Nonetheless, it highlights that sustained reforms and investment are crucial to supporting projected growth and addressing potential challenges, such as climate risks and external inflation pressures.

It also underlines that “fiscal risks owing to pending infrastructure projects and incomplete reforms could lead to lower-than-projected growth. On the other hand, a stronger reform drive, new investments, and targeted measures to address cost-of-living pressures may result in better-than-forecast growth rates.”

Devastating Hollywood Fires Cause Delay In Oscar Nominations

The ongoing wildfires in California, which have ravaged much of Hollywood, have forced the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to delay the announcement of the 2024 Oscar nominations. The nominations, originally scheduled for January 16, will now be announced on Thursday, January 23.

Key Facts

  • The Oscar nominations voting period has been extended to Friday, January 17, moving from the original deadline of Sunday, January 12.
  • The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will still take place on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre.
  • The nominations will be announced live on YouTube.
  • Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Young explained in a joint statement that the extension and change in schedule were necessary due to the ongoing fires and their impact on the Los Angeles community. They expressed solidarity with those affected and emphasized the need to accommodate the region’s infrastructure and housing challenges.

Accent

The fires, including the massive Palisades Fire, which has burned over 23,000 acres, continue to ravage the Los Angeles area. The fires have claimed at least 24 lives, and 23 people are still missing. Authorities have evacuated over 90,000 residents.

Tactical Impact

The devastating fires have also led to the postponement of other major industry events. The Writers Guild of America delayed the announcement of its nominations, which were originally set for January 9. The Critics’ Choice Awards, originally scheduled for January 12, have been rescheduled to January 26.

Despite the devastation, the Academy remains committed to supporting the industry and its members during this challenging time.

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