Economy

Gold Soars While Silver Remains Steady
Gold Soars While Silver Remains Steady

In 2024, gold surged by approximately 27%, setting new records, while silver, though up 27.5%, showed more moderate fluctuations. However, unlike gold, silver has yet to surpass its all-time high. The primary driver behind gold's meteoric rise is its long-established role as a safe-haven asset. In times of economic, political or geopolitical ...

Ministry of Finance Announces 2024 Tax Regulations for Built Properties
Ministry of Finance Announces 2024 Tax Regulations for Built Properties

The Ministry of Finance issued a statement on Friday regarding the declaration of income subject to the tax on built properties and the corresponding tax payments. In line with Articles 51, 52, and 53 of Law No. 324, dated February 12, 2024 (Finance Law for 2024), the Ministry reminds taxpayers of the following key points: Electronic ...

IMF to Unveil New Loan Package for Egypt
IMF to Unveil New Loan Package for Egypt

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) plans to submit a new loan agreement with Egypt for approval by its board, the global lender’s communications chief said Thursday, as the country seeks to strengthen its economy. “A policy package of reforms will be considered by the Fund’s executive board, along with the fourth review of Egypt’s ...

Qatar Pledges Broad Support for Lebanon
Qatar Pledges Broad Support for Lebanon

The Qatari ambassador to Lebanon, Sheikh Saud bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani, has announced that Qatar will soon provide extensive support to Lebanon, particularly in the economic sector. He highlighted the strong interest of Qatari investors in various industries, including electricity, oil and gas, port operations and airport management. Speaking at ...

Suspension of USAID: An Opportunity for China?
Suspension of USAID: An Opportunity for China?

The Trump administration has suspended USAID, freezing billions of dollars in funding and humanitarian aid. The United States could offer China a real opportunity to expand its influence, particularly in Africa, Latin America and Asia — regions where American aid has always been essential. Since taking office on January 20, President Donald ...

Government Formation Delay: What Lies Ahead for Bank Withdrawal Limit Increases?
Government Formation Delay: What Lies Ahead for Bank Withdrawal Limit Increases?

As the political situation remains uncertain, especially regarding the formation of the government, the Central Bank of Lebanon decided at the end of January to suspend its previous policy that required banks to make multiple monthly payments to beneficiaries of Circulars 158 and 166. This decision restores withdrawal limits to pre-crisis ...

Lebanon Reconnects with the World: Airlines Resuming Flights
Lebanon Reconnects with the World: Airlines Resuming Flights

From the onset of the escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, all international airlines suspended their flights to Lebanon. Among them, major carriers such as Air France, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines halted their routes to Beirut, citing security concerns for passengers and crew amid ongoing bombardments and the inability to guarantee ...

Khalil: Approval of the 2025 Budget by Decree Is Necessary
Khalil: Approval of the 2025 Budget by Decree Is Necessary

The Caretaker Minister of Finance, Youssef Khalil, stated that “the approval of the 2025 budget draft by decree, after adhering to the deadlines set by law, has now become a necessity. According to him, “this remains financially safer than not approving it and resorting to expenditures based on the provisional twelfth rule.” Khalil noted ...

The Challenge of Housing Loans in Lebanon
The Challenge of Housing Loans in Lebanon

To encourage young graduates to stay in Lebanon, it is imperative to first offer them job opportunities and then viable solutions for homeownership. However, today, the landscape of real estate credit remains unclear, with no serious plan for the recovery of public and private institutions yet in place. In principle, three entities are capable of ...

Where Things Stand in China-US Trade Tensions
Where Things Stand in China-US Trade Tensions

China has made good on its threats to retaliate in the escalating trade war with the United States, imposing tariffs on American imports of energy, cars and machinery parts. That came just minutes after a 10 percent tariff hike on Chinese goods, announced by US President Donald Trump on Saturday, came into effect. Here's the state of play in the ...

Tariffs: Gold Shines and the Euro Crashes
Tariffs: Gold Shines and the Euro Crashes

After a year marked by record highs, gold seems poised to continue its surge in 2025, as investors seek to shield themselves from global economic uncertainties. The trade policies of US President Donald Trump, particularly the new tariffs that could provoke a trade war, dampen economic growth and fuel inflation, will likely benefit gold. Gold ...

US stocks open sharply lower on Trump tariffs
US stocks open sharply lower on Trump tariffs

Wall Street stocks opened sharply lower Monday, joining most international equity bourses in falling after US President Donald Trump launched trade wars against Canada, Mexico and China. The tariffs, if maintained, are expected to prolong or worsen inflationary pressures, hitting growth. About 25 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones industrial ...