Business
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Discretionary demand picking up
Is the relative slowdown in business activity, prevalent since some months before the election, over? There is anecdotal evidence that domestic economic activity is picking up again. The reference here is not to normal consumption – the spend on...
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E-books: for rent, not for sale
The advent of so-called electronic books (e-books) has somewhat been overshadowed by the debate as to the pros and cons of traditional printed books (popularly known as “old” media) against an increasingly digital format (“new” media) that is...
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Save Our Savings
The recent losses incurred by depositors in Cyprus have led to an emerging consciousness among investors that their deposits are subject to a regime which is perhaps riskier than previously assumed. The basic assumption commonly made is that a...
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EU unveils action plan for Europe’s ailing steel sector
The European Commission announced an array of recommendations on Tuesday to revive Europe’s steel industry, hurt by tumbling demand and plant closures. The “EU steel action plan” is the first comprehensive attempt by the Commission to stem a decline...
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China solar panel duties imposed by EU
Provisional anti-dumping duties were recently imposed by the European Commission on imports of solar panels, cells and wafers from China. Following a nine-month intensive investigation, the Commission came to the conclusion that Chinese companies...
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Free trial of data backup solution
Shireburn Software has launched a 30-day free trial of its Vault solution for business data backup. Shireburn Vault is an automated and off-site, cloud data backup software solution, ideal for businesses of all sizes. It is designed to securely...
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Central banks set economic agenda
Throughout the first two weeks of June, central banks once again got the limelight as they were due for their customary policy meetings. Thursday of last week, we had the European Central Bank that left interest rates unchanged at 0.5 per cent and...
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Foreign investment into Europe holds up in 2012
Foreign direct investment (FDI) into Europe held up in 2012 despite the ongoing economic problems in the eurozone, according to Ernst & Young’s annual European Attractiveness Survey. This report, now in its 11th year, combines an analysis of...
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Uncovering those hidden weaknesses in your business
Hidden exposures in business: these are what effective internal controls can help uncover. In recent years, we have witnessed and suffered the higher costs that can result when these threats remain unchecked. Where do the blind spots lurk in your...
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Defining and assessing precarious employment
The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry has in the past years closely followed developments relating to “precarious work”. As a responsible employers’ organisation, the Malta Chamber is not in favour of workers’ exploitation as this...
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RS2 regains €1.16 level as UK bank shows interest in stake
The share price of RS2 Software plc jumped 5.5% to regain the €1.16 level albeit on low volumes of 6,200 shares on the stock exchange this morning. The company held its annual general meeting this morning, during which it was revealed that the new...
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BOJ’s Kuroda to consider steps to calm bond market
Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda yesterday said that the Central Bank will consider extending the duration of its fixed-rate market operation in the future if necessary to stem any possible spike in bond yields. “With our efforts to give more...
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European shares hit by worries over Central Bank stimulus
European shares edged lower yesterday, pressured by concerns that the era of plentiful monetary stimulus is coming to an end after the Bank of Japan decided against unveiling fresh measures overnight. The BoJ’s unchanged policy disappointed markets.
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Orange CEO questioned
A French prosecutor yesterday decided to hold Orange CEO Stephane Richard for questioning for a further 24 hours over his role in a 2008 arbitration process that resulted in a large payout to businessman Bernard Tapie, a source close to the...
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Greek Budget targets on track as recession pushes down prices
Greece reported its budget deficit was on track to meet targets set by foreign lenders, whose inspectors arrived in Athens on Monday to measure progress under the country’s bailout programme. Athens more than halved its central government primary...
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Cyprus to probe troubled lender’s Russian acquisition
Cyprus’s most senior legal official will investigate the circumstances of troubled lender Bank of Cyprus’s acquisition of a small Russian bank in 2008, authorities said yesterday. Bank of Cyprus was one of two systemic Cypriot banks taken over by...
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Central bank fears trigger global selloff
World equity markets, the dollar, bond prices and commodities slumped yesterday in a full-scale retreat by investors unnerved by fears that major central banks are cooling in their commitment to the money-pumping that has buoyed markets. The...
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Apple gets a facelift
Apple Inc unveiled a music streaming service called iTunes Radio and new mobile software, in the biggest redesign of its operating system since the original iPhone was introduced in 2007. The new software, designated iOS 7 and announced at Apple’s...
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Daily currency report
The greenback reacted positively to the news that the ratings agency, Standard and Poor’s, has upgraded the US credit outlook from negative to stable following recent improvements in the country’s fiscal consolidation plans. Focus is likely to...
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MSE Share Index surpasses 3,400 points
The MSE Share Index registered its sixth consecutive gain with a further 0.2 per cent increase to 3,404.322 points representing a year-to-date uplift of six per cent. It is also encouraging that volumes rebounded during this morning’s session with...
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In Discussion
Middlesea launches insurance for pets
6pm jumps 5% on new contract
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UK spied on G20 officials
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Europe shares seen overcoming stimulus...
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MSE Share Index reaches another 2-year high
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