Silver recovered further to $30.60 in Thursday’s Asian trading. The white metal discovers strong buying interest, as normalising US labour market conditions boost speculation that the Federal Reserve will start reducing interest rates in the September meeting. The CME FedWatch tool shows that traders see a 68% chance for rate cuts in September. The probability … Read more
Fact: The governments of Cyprus and Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate Egyptian nationals wanting to work in Cyprus.
The International Monetary Fund praised Cyprus for its strong economic performance, commending the country for its substantial primary surpluses, efforts to reduce public debt, quick recovery from the pandemic, and resilience in dealing with external shocks. The IMF recommended measures to further strengthen the economy, including phasing out electricity subsidies and VAT exemptions, and advised against further cost-of-living adjustments to wages. Other recommendations included reforms to the justice system, labor markets, and vigilance regarding systemic risks in the real estate market.
Cyprus is facing a nursing shortage of between 450 and 500 nurses, which is impacting the operations of clinics and hospitals. The shortage is expected to increase as nurses retire. To address this issue, the employers’ and industrialists’ federation (Oev) is suggesting hiring nurses from third countries and utilizing third country nationals who study nursing in Cyprus. Private hospitals are already struggling to find staff to hire, and there are concerns about lowering the number of hours required to train nurses in Cyprus, which could impact patient safety.
Illegal and undeclared work in Cyprus is a growing trend, particularly in the construction industry, where it is approaching 25%. The Cyprus economy relies on employing people other than Cypriots, but this needs to be done with appropriate regulations. Third country personnel are attracted through illegal procedures in the promise of a job. The construction sector contributes about 15% to the island’s GDP, with optimistic forecasts for 2024. There are currently 40 projects underway in the construction sector worth €862 million.
The WTI crude oil price has been on a losing streak for the fifth trading session due to a hawkish outlook on interest rates by Federal Reserve policymakers. Fed officials are uncertain about the disinflation process and are considering further tightening of monetary policy. The next trigger for oil prices will be the OPEC meeting scheduled for June 1 to discuss supply policy.
The CEO of a financial advisory firm believes that the Bank of England should start cutting interest rates this summer despite UK inflation data showing mixed signals.
Representatives from social partner organizations met at the Productivity Centre to discuss attracting Turkish Cypriots to training programs under the European Year of Skills initiative. The government announced measures to improve job prospects for Turkish Cypriots, including access to training programs. KEPA clarified that initial programs would be held in Turkish at the House of Cooperation. The goal is to reach 1,000 participants in EU co-funded training, with eligibility for all Turkish Cypriot identity card holders. Programs will cover topics like environmental sustainability, digital skills, customer service excellence, and occupational health and safety. The government announced 14 measures to benefit Turkish Cypriots, including participation in training programs and EU acquis seminars. KEPA will provide further communication to stakeholders, with programs expected to start in late May or early June and run until the end of the year.
The Bank of England is expected to start bringing down interest rates in August, with a majority of economists predicting a rate cut next month.
British employers expect to raise wages by 4 per cent over the coming 12 months, according to a survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.