Japan’s finance minister issued a warning about yen weakness as it fell to a 34-year low against the dollar, indicating that authorities could take decisive steps, similar to language used before intervention in the market in the past.
The Biden Administration has proposed corporate tax increases, including raising the corporate tax rate to 28% and imposing a minimum tax on high-income individual taxpayers. They also plan to increase taxes on offshore earnings and corporate aircraft, with a focus on cracking down on corporate jet loopholes. The IRS is conducting audits on corporate aircraft expenses to ensure proper allocation of expenses and income inclusion for personal use.
The European Central Bank (ECB) is considering cutting interest rates in June, causing weakness for the Euro and depressing the EURUSD pair. ECB officials have expressed dovish views on rate cuts, while the Federal Reserve in the US seems more split on the issue. Bargain hunters may see dips in the EURUSD pair as a buying opportunity, and economists at ING expect the pair to stabilize around 1.0850.
The Cyprus government is ending an 8 cent subsidy on fuels after it expires on March 31, resulting in an initial increase of 7 to 8.3 cents a litre for motor petrol and diesel, along with a 6.3c hike on heating oil. The government also plans to introduce a green tax on fuel, which has been delayed until after the summer holidays. The impact of the green taxation on businesses and households is expected to be small, with compensatory measures provided to vulnerable population groups.
The Japanese Yen weakened against the US Dollar, reaching its highest level since 1990 near 152.00. Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki stated that they won’t rule out any steps, including decisive ones, to respond to disorderly moves in the foreign exchange market. BoJ board member Naoki Tamura mentioned the possibility of hiking rates again if certain conditions are met.
– The European Commission’s recent in-depth review highlighted that Cyprus’ economy is on a healthy trajectory, with GDP expected to grow and inflation to decrease.
– The moderation in GDP growth in 2023 was primarily attributed to weaker external demand for financial and business services influenced by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
– The government is focused on implementing policies to correct imbalances and enhance the competitiveness of the Cypriot economy, with emphasis on green and digital transitions.
– The Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan includes significant reforms to reduce macroeconomic vulnerabilities and expand the productive base of the economy.
– Public and private debt have decreased and are expected to continue decreasing in the coming years.
– Non-performing loans in the banking sector have declined, and the possibility of new non-performing loans is viewed as remote.
– Cyprus’ integration with both EU and non-EU economies makes it vulnerable to risks from geopolitical and trade tensions.
The European Commission’s report on the Cypriot economy highlights the observed economic growth, reduction in inflation, and ongoing correction of macroeconomic imbalances. The report identifies macroeconomic imbalances in public, private, and external debt, with improvements seen in the net international investment position and decreasing levels of public and private debt. The review also emphasizes Cyprus’ vulnerability to geopolitical developments due to its trade ties with European and third-country economies. The EC forecasts a growth rate of 2.4% for 2023, increasing to around 3% in 2024 and 2025, with a reduction in inflation and unemployment expected. The Ministry of Finance welcomes the results of the review, noting the government’s efforts to correct imbalances and strengthen the competitiveness of the Cypriot economy through policies focused on green and digital transition. The Cypriot Recovery and Resilience Plan includes reforms aimed at reducing vulnerabilities and ensuring macroeconomic stability and public finance sustainability.
The Federal Reserve reported a record loss of 4.3 billion in 2023, mainly due to expenses related to managing the US central bank’s short-term interest rate target.
Pivotal elections are set to be held in the UK and U.S. this year, which can have significant impacts on the global tax landscape for corporations. The UK’s exit from the EU, known as Brexit, resulted in major shifts in tax policy and revenue. In the U.S., President Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act have also brought significant changes to corporate tax rates. The upcoming elections in 2024 are expected to bring more tax-focused volatility, leaving corporate decision makers unsure of how to prepare for potential changes. The key for businesses will be to focus on data integrity, regulatory compliance, and quick decision-making in the face of uncertainty.
Limassol is losing its position as Cyprus’ top investment hub to Larnaca, according to the ‘Cyprus Real Estate Market Report for the 2nd Semester 2023’ by Danos & Associates. Commercial properties in Cyprus are increasingly being used for professional purposes and workspaces, with potential disadvantages such as damages and malfunctioning spaces. However, the value of commercial properties tends to increase at a faster rate than residential properties. Demand for office spaces in Limassol has increased, with the average office value rising by 42% from 2015 to 2019. The real estate sector contributes significantly to the Cypriot economy, with a total of 5,974 transactions amounting to €1.52 billion in property sales in the second quarter of 2023. Nicosia and Famagusta provinces saw an increase in property value, while Limassol experienced a significant decrease. The abolition of the citizenship by investment program did not affect the real estate market in Cyprus, which continues to grow due to strong domestic demand and returning foreign investors.