Economy

London's FTSE 100 stocks index hits record high
London's FTSE 100 stocks index hits record high

London's benchmark FTSE 100 index reached an all-time high in early trading Friday, lifted by renewed optimism over the global economy. The index jumped 1.0 percent to 8,475.35 points, slightly surpassing a record achieved in May last year. Around 0900 GMT, it stood at 8,472.67 points. British stocks have been boosted in recent days by a drop ...

Chinese economic growth among slowest in decades
Chinese economic growth among slowest in decades

China posted one of its slowest rates of economic growth in decades Friday, as leaders nervously eye a potential trade standoff with incoming US president Donald Trump. Beijing has announced in recent months its most aggressive support measures in years in a bid to reignite an economy suffering on multiple fronts, including a prolonged property ...

In Syria, EU official announces 235 million euro aid package
In Syria, EU official announces 235 million euro aid package

EU crisis management chief Hadja Lahbib announced a 235 million euro aid package for Syria and neighbouring countries on Friday during the first visit by a senior EU official since Bashar al-Assad's ouster. "I come here to announce to a new package of humanitarian aid of 235 million euros ($242 million) in Syria and in neighbouring countries," ...

BDH Hopes for Real Estate Loans from Qatar
BDH Hopes for Real Estate Loans from Qatar

The CEO of Banque de l’Habitat (BDH), Antoine Habib, along with board member Tawfiq Naji, recently engaged in discussions at the Qatari Embassy in Beirut regarding the bank's operations and housing loan programs tailored for Lebanese individuals with limited and moderate incomes. The discussions primarily focused on Habib's upcoming trip to ...

Corm Rejects Promotions and Salary Raises for Alfa and Touch
Corm Rejects Promotions and Salary Raises for Alfa and Touch

The Syndicate of Mobile Phone Operators’ Employees in Lebanon announced that Caretaker Telecommunications Minister Johnny Corm has ruled out any promotions or salary increases for the time being. In a statement issued on Thursday, Corm clarified that no promotions or new job opportunities were under consideration but reaffirmed employees’ ...

Fayad: Additional Hours of Electricity to Be Provided Soon
Fayad: Additional Hours of Electricity to Be Provided Soon

Caretaker Energy Minister Walid Fayad announced that the Zouk and Jiyeh power plants are set to resume operations next week, a move expected to boost Lebanon’s electricity generation capacity to 800 megawatts. In a press statement issued on Thursday, Fayad noted that this increase would provide an additional two hours of electricity per day, ...

IEA Forecasts Record Nuclear Electricity Production in 2025
IEA Forecasts Record Nuclear Electricity Production in 2025

Nuclear-powered electricity generation is set to hit a record level in 2025, accounting for nearly 10 percent of global production, the International Energy Agency forecast on Thursday. The leading energy monitor said in a report that 70 gigawatts of new generating capacity were under construction worldwide – one of the highest levels in 30 ...

WB: $257 Million for Water Supply Services
WB: $257 Million for Water Supply Services

The World Bank (WB) announced on Wednesday that “the World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved financing of $257.8 million to improve water supply services in Greater Beirut and Mount Lebanon.” In a statement, it was indicated that “the second Greater Beirut Water Supply Project aims to complete vital water infrastructure, ...

If Lebanon Were to Buy Back Its Debt...
ExplainerIf Lebanon Were to Buy Back Its Debt...

In 2023, Lebanon’s public debt reached around $100 billion, representing approximately 200% of its GDP. This makes Lebanon one of the most indebted countries in the world in relation to its economy. It ranks second behind Japan (260% of GDP) and ahead of Greece (180% of GDP), Italy (150% of GDP) and Sudan (176% of GDP). This debt results from ...

Moody’s Economic Growth Projections for Lebanon
Moody’s Economic Growth Projections for Lebanon

The US-based agency indicated that the election of President Joseph Aoun will pave the way for the formation of a fully empowered new government, with Aoun benefiting from the backing of international donors. The international agency noted that the Lebanese economy contracted by approximately 10% in 2024 but anticipates a recovery in economic ...

Wi-Fi 7 Soon Available at Beirut Airport
Wi-Fi 7 Soon Available at Beirut Airport

Wi-Fi 7 will soon be available at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BIA). Ogero’s Managing Director, Imad Kreidieh, told This is Beirut that preparations and tests are currently underway, with the new technology set to launch in the next 2 to 3 weeks. The upgrade will be provided through Ogero’s Wi-Fi network at the airport. Kreidieh ...

Forbes Ranking: Who Are the Richest People in the World?
Forbes Ranking: Who Are the Richest People in the World?

Elon Musk is kicking off the year with a remarkable milestone. In addition to holding the title of the world’s richest person, he has become the first billionaire in nearly four decades to surpass the $400 billion mark. According to Forbes, Musk’s fortune, now valued at around $421.2 billion, has surged by $91 billion since December 1. Jeff ...