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Wedbush’s Dan Ives Foresees a Prolonged Tech Bull Run Amid AI Investment Surge

The AI Revolution Sparks Unprecedented Capital Activity

In a market defined by rapid technological evolution, Wedbush’s Dan Ives predicts that the next two to three years will resemble a sustained bull market in tech. Fueled by the transformative wave of artificial intelligence, led by innovators like Sam Altman of OpenAI, the sector is witnessing an era where startups—often armed with little more than a pitch deck—are attracting hundreds of millions in capital. This relentless pursuit of the next breakthrough is reshaping valuations and catalyzing a significant influx of investments.

Overheated Valuations and the Search for Substance

While Altman acknowledges that investor enthusiasm for AI has reached fever pitch, he remains steadfast in his belief that the long-term societal benefits of these technologies will prevail. Recognizing the risk of a bubble, he candidly remarked on the unsustainable exuberance in the market, yet his conviction is driving OpenAI to invest heavily in expanding its technological infrastructure. Expectations are set for substantial expenditure—potentially in the trillions on data center construction—as the company seeks out computing resources beyond the capacities of even the largest hyperscalers.

Mega Caps Redefine Infrastructure Spending

The AI surge is prompting major tech corporations to recalibrate their capital expenditure. Microsoft now projects $120 billion in annual capex, while Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta have similarly elevated their spending forecasts in response to burgeoning AI demands. This collective drive underscores a broader trend: traditional tech giants are not merely passive witnesses but active proponents of an AI-powered future, positioning themselves to leverage deep structural shifts in the global economy.

Balancing Innovation With Caution

Despite the optimistic outlook, voices within the industry, including Citi’s Rob Rowe, advise caution. Unlike the dotcom bubble, which was marred by over-leveraged companies and speculative investments, today’s AI investments are underpinned by businesses with strong earnings and robust cash flows. Nevertheless, when market exuberance leads to speculative moves—such as the construction of data centers without clear demand—the risk of short-term volatility cannot be discounted.

A Blueprint for Long-Term Transformation

Altman’s reflections evoke the cyclical nature of technological progress. Just as the dotcom crash was followed by the birth of a modern digital economy, the current wave of AI investment—despite its turbulence—could catalyze enduring value creation for society. With entrenched players and emerging startups alike reimagining the future, the tech sector stands on the brink of a profound transformation that may redefine global markets for decades to come.

Cyprus Foreclosure Reform Debate Intensifies Amid Rising Non-Performing Loans

Political Stakes And Foreclosure Regulation

Cypriot political parties are engaging in a high-stakes debate in parliament as they deliberate changes to the legal framework governing foreclosures ahead of the May parliamentary elections. The proposed shifts are aimed at curbing the rapid escalation in the value of non-performing loans, a trend that has sparked significant public and legislative concern. Confidential data from the Central Bank of Cyprus indicates that the nation has not yet moved away from its longstanding issues related to so-called “red loans.”

Non-Performing Loans: A Mounting Financial Challenge

Recent figures show that the value of distressed loans has continued to rise, surpassing €20 billion following transfers involving banks and credit recovery companies. This level exceeds the approximately €15 billion recorded during the economic crisis period. Central Bank data indicates that after loan sales, credit recovery firms now manage portfolios totaling €19.7 billion, of which €18.5 billion are classified as non-performing. About 87% of these loans are considered terminated, while the firms acquired 141,478 loans for €3.2 billion, roughly 80% below their original value.

Credit Recovery Companies: Overshooting Investment Returns

By June, credit recovery companies had recovered €5.7 billion through a combination of cash repayments, judicial asset auctions and property-for-debt exchanges. Cash repayments accounted for €3.6 billion, judicial recoveries contributed €619 million, and property swaps added €1.5 billion. These recoveries exceeded the original purchase cost of many loan portfolios while overall balances continued to increase due to accrued interest, a development that remains a concern for policymakers.

Bank Portfolios And The Impact On Financial Stability

Data from the State Guarantee Fund for Deposits and Loans shows that 77,561 loans valued at €7.5 billion were transferred, leaving a remaining balance of €5.7 billion by June 2025, of which €5 billion are non-performing. Within the banking sector, non-performing loans totaled €1.45 billion across 24,736 accounts as of last June. Since December 2024, these figures have improved by approximately €86 million due to repayments and asset recoveries. The reduction in problematic loans has lowered bank exposure compared with levels recorded during the 2013 crisis.

Legislative Proposals And Government Considerations

Political leaders argue that adjustments to foreclosure procedures can be introduced without undermining banking stability. Parliament’s Economic Committee is scheduled to begin discussions on March 9, with an estimated 20 to 30 legislative proposals currently pending from multiple parties. While the Ministry of Finance has not announced immediate legislative action, officials are evaluating the potential reintroduction of elements of the Rent-Versus-Rate plan for vulnerable borrowers, subject to fiscal impact assessments.

Advocacy From AKEL And Environmental Groups

Proposals supported by the AKEL party and several civil organizations focus on strengthening legal protections for borrowers. Among the suggested measures is restoring the right to seek judicial relief to delay foreclosures in cases involving disputed charges or alleged abusive contract clauses. AKEL representative Aristos Damianou criticized the pace of foreclosure proceedings and warned of risks to primary residences and small businesses.

Proposals Targeting Guarantors And Foreclosure Processes

The Democratic Rally party has introduced a proposal aimed at limiting guarantor liability during foreclosure procedures. Under the draft measure, if a property is auctioned or repossessed, the guarantor’s responsibility would be capped at the original loan amount adjusted by recovered sums. The proposal also requires that enforcement actions against guarantors be suspended until a court ruling is issued if the borrower formally disputes the debt.

Revisions Proposed By The Democratic Party of Cyprus

The Democratic Party is also preparing new legislative measures to be introduced on Thursday. Party leader Mario Karogian outlined plans to suspend the foreclosures of primary residences valued up to €350,000 until the end of the year, allowing time to address legislative gaps. Additional proposals include broadening the powers of the Financial Ombudsperson to make binding decisions on disputes up to €50,000, enforcing the Central Bank’s code of conduct, and ensuring strict adherence to refinancing guidelines for first residences.

Outlook And Strategic Implications

The range of proposals reflects an ongoing effort to balance financial system stability with stronger consumer protections. Decisions made in the coming months are expected to shape the regulatory environment for foreclosures and influence broader confidence in Cyprus’ financial sector and economic outlook.

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