Euro under pressure as ECB eyes rate cut
The Euro is trading close to a five-month low against the dollar, with market expectations for the ECB to begin reducing interest rates increasing.
policy
British MPs to vote on smoking ban for younger generations
British lawmakers will vote on moves by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to ban anyone aged 15 and under from ever buying cigarettes.
Keve event educates businesses on cybersecurity issues
The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) and the Digital Security Authority (DSA) co-organized the second “Cyber Security Weekend” in Larnaca to raise awareness among businesses on cybersecurity issues. Executives from 10 companies attended the event, where they were informed about cybersecurity on a theoretical level and engaged in face-to-face meetings with specialized companies in the cybersecurity sector. The initiative was well-received, and there are plans to establish the Cyber Security Weekend as an annual event. Gartner research has identified cybersecurity as one of the most pressing issues for businesses in 2024, highlighting trends such as Generative AI, unsecure employee behavior, third-party risks, continuous threat exposure, boardroom communication gaps, and identity-first approaches to security.
Rural areas to receive fibreoptic internet
Fact: Rural areas across Cyprus are to receive “ultra-high-speed” fibreoptic internet networks as part of a government project to bridge the digital divide and provide equal access to gigabit connectivity for everyone by 2026.
US trade chief Tai says taking ‘serious look’ at tools to deal with China
U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai will inform lawmakers that the Biden administration is reviewing U.S. trade defense tools to address threats from China’s trade policies, including a review of tariffs on Chinese imports. The administration is also focusing on reducing dependence on China in supply chains and prioritizing labor standards in trade negotiations.
Geopolitics, Fed and Chinese GDP
Geopolitical tensions are causing caution among investors, with concerns about potential retaliation from Israel against Iran. The Nasdaq index fell below its 50-day SMA, indicating a possible sell-off. US economic data, including industrial production and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell’s speech, are being closely watched. Oil prices are influenced by tensions in the Middle East, with the possibility of Brent crude reaching 0. Gold prices are anchored by inflation expectations and geopolitical tensions, with potential for further increases. China’s strong GDP growth is seen as positive for gold demand. Powell’s speech and potential oil price increases could impact inflation. Gold prices are expected to continue rising, potentially reaching ,500.
LILLEY: Trudeau budget expected to have job-killing tax hikes in it
The fact described in the text is that the NDP plans embraced by Trudeau will involve tax increases on high-income earners and corporations, rather than the middle class.
Federal budget to include tax hikes for wealthiest Canadians, some corporations
The federal government will make tax changes in Tuesday’s budget aimed at raising more revenue from wealthy Canadians and certain corporations.
Cyprus sees 19 femicides in four years
Fact: There were a total of 19 femicides in Cyprus between 2019 and 2023.
Opinion: Why do you pay higher taxes than Citibank? – New Jersey Globe
– Millions of Americans file their tax returns by April 15 as a civic responsibility
– Giant corporations like Nike and FedEx find ways to pay less in taxes despite earning record profits
– New Jersey is proposing to reverse a corporate tax cut for companies making over million in annual profits
– Many large corporations pay lower tax rates than the average household, with some even avoiding taxes entirely
– Corporations use tax avoidance strategies to hoard wealth for shareholders and executives
– New Jerseyans oppose the expiration of a Corporate Business Tax surcharge on profitable corporations to help pay for NJ Transit
– States need to challenge corporate tax avoidance and invest in core infrastructure
– Corporations prioritize maximizing profits over the public good through tax avoidance
– New Jersey legislators are urged to reinstate the full surtax on profitable mega corporations and close tax loopholes to ensure corporations pay their fair share in taxes.