Economy

AnalysisTrump's Economic Policies and Lebanon's Dollar Crisis

Liliane Mokbel 2024-11-14 11:25 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Banks Central Bank of Lebanon Donald Trump International Monetary Fund USA

While the dollar’s value is primarily shaped by US domestic factors, its fluctuations continue to ripple through the global economy. A 2023 International Monetary Fund (IMF) study found that the negative impact of a strong dollar tends to last around two and a half years in emerging markets, compared to just one year in developed economies. The ...

Trade Under Fire: How Are Imports Faring in Times of War?

Christiane Tager 2024-11-14 09:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Hezbollah Israel Middle East

The import of essential goods during wartime presents a major logistical and economic challenge for Lebanon. Importing companies, already weakened by multiple successive crises, are now facing exorbitant costs and increased risks in transport. It's been around two months since the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified, bringing a ...

Bitcoin Hits $90,000 For First Time Upon Trump's Support

This is Beirut 2024-11-13 17:40 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Cryptocurrency Bitcoin Donald Trump United States

Bitcoin reached a record high above $90,000 Wednesday as the world's biggest cryptocurrency benefits from president-elect Donald Trump's pledge to ease regulation around digital tokens. Bitcoin rallied to an all-time peak above $91,000 before easing to $90,670. The volatile asset has rocketed since Trump won last week's US presidential election, ...

'America First': What Economic Strategies Under Trump?

Christiane Tager 2024-11-13 17:20 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Donald Trump European Union Gulf Middle East Trade

Donald Trump’s return to the White House would likely reinforce a protectionist and economically isolationist approach under the "America First" slogan, heightening challenges across international trade relations and geopolitical balances. If Trump pursues a protectionist economic policy (America First) and adopts a more radical vision of ...

VideosExperts Warn Lebanon's 'White Economy' Is in Danger

This is Beirut 2024-11-12 15:35 - Reading : less than a minute

Lebanon

Due to the ongoing war in Lebanon, the “white economy” is struggling, while the “black economy” is growing. Here's a look at the difference between the two and the measures needed to protect Lebanon's #economy.

Bitcoin to Surge to $200,000, Trump to Make US Crypto Hub

Maurice Matta 2024-11-12 14:50 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Banks Donald Trump Republicans United States Bitcoin Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency investors are buoyed by Donald Trump’s re-election and Republican control of the US Senate, given his support for digital assets. Many expect that the sector would benefit from a more favorable regulatory environment under a second Trump term. During the Bitcoin 202 conference, Trump pledged that, if he were to return to the White ...

Iran, Russia Link Bank Card Systems in Latest Move to Overcome Sanctions

This is Beirut 2024-11-12 13:20 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Banks Russia Iran sanctions

Iranian bank cards can now be used in Russia, state television reported, as the two countries linked their banking systems in the latest bid to counteract sanctions. Iranian banks have been excluded since 2018 from the SWIFT international financial messaging service, which governs the vast majority of transactions worldwide. The move is part of ...

SpotlightCorm Raises Alarm Over Internet Vulnerability

Christiane Tager 2024-11-12 09:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Lebanon Internet Alfa Touch Starlink

As connectivity becomes a lifeline for everyone, Lebanon faces a serious threat to its internet network. Johnny Corm, the caretaker Minister of Telecommunications, has issued a stark warning, cautioning that the country's internet is at significant risk. Speaking to This is Beirut, he explained that “Lebanon’s airspace is open, allowing ...

Civil Servants on Strike From November 13 to 15

This is Beirut 2024-11-11 10:40 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

League of Civil Servants Strike

The League of Civil Servants announced on Monday its intention to initiate a warning strike in public administrations, with the exception of urgent cases, from Wednesday, November 13 to Friday, November 15. This decision follows the government's dismissal of civil servants' plea to eliminate the requirement for in-person work. In a press release ...

Bitcoin Breaks Records as Asian Markets Slump in Trump Era

This is Beirut 2024-11-11 10:40 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

China Donald Trump Asian markets

Most Asian markets fell Monday after China's keenly awaited plans to support the world's number two economy fell short of expectations, while traders were also keeping tabs on Washington as Donald Trump puts his cabinet together after last week's election win. Stocks rallied last week on hopes that a second Trump administration - supported by a ...

Lebanon-Syria Border Crossings Under Israeli Surveillance

Liliane Mokbel 2024-11-10 21:40 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

syria border crossings lebanon

The Lebanon-Syria border is dotted with countless unofficial crossing points. Without natural barriers like rivers, mountains or a coastal divide, an effective demarcation of the border remains challenging. There are currently only six official crossings, three of which have been put out of operation by Israeli strikes. Masnaa, Kaa, Daboussiyeh, ...

All Eyes on Central Bank’s Reserves

Liliane Mokbel 2024-11-07 19:20 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Amal Central Bank of Lebanon Reserves

Political pressure from the Amal-Hezbollah duo on the government is mounting, driven by rising complaints among the displaced population and the decrease in international aid. Faced with limited options, Lebanon is now in a state of voluntary default. All eyes are set on the foreign currency reserves of Lebanon’s central bank (BDL) and the ...