The 52nd Cyprus International Rally takes place this weekend, featuring 30 crews from eight countries. The event is the fifth and final round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.
Cyprus’ flagship rally, organised by the Cyprus Automobile Association since 1970, will decide this year’s Middle East Rally Championship title. Among the contenders is Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah, the event’s most successful driver with nine victories. A 20-time champion, most recently in 2025, Al-Attiyah leads the standings with 70 points and will compete in a Škoda Fabia.
Saudi Arabia’s 22-year-old Hamza Bakhashab, driving a Toyota Yaris, is second with 66 points. Qatar’s Nasser Khalifa Al-Atya, driving a Ford Fiesta, has 61 points, while Oman’s 2024 champion Abdullah Al-Rawahi, driving a Škoda Fabia, has 56 points.
Top local crews will also be competing for victory, including multiple-time Cypriot champion Simos Galatariotis in a Škoda Fabia and last year’s Cyprus champion Panagiotis Yiangou in a Hyundai i20.
The ceremonial start will take place today at 18:00 at Europe Square on the Larnaca seafront (Phinikoudes). The finish ceremony will also be held there on Sunday at 17:00, followed by the crowning of the 2026 Middle East Rally Champion. The Service Park is located next to the Mall of Cyprus, opposite the E-CARS showroom, and is open to the public.
The scrutineering took place yesterday This morning, the official shakedown and qualifying stages will be held in Tseri, with qualifying determining the starting order for the first leg of the rally. Tomorrow, the mountain stages at Agios Epifanios, Kapouras and Kourdali will be run twice, once in the morning and again in the afternoon.
On Sunday, the stages at Doryforikos, Vavatsinia and Stavrovouni, near Pyrga, will take place. The second run through Stavrovouni, scheduled for 15:13, will serve as the rally’s Power Stage. The rally covers a total distance of 657.74 km, including 183.92 km across 12 gravel special stages
No timetable has been set for the next stages of the Limassol-Saittas road project, despite the government acknowledging delays and reaffirming that the road remains a priority.
The issue was discussed on Thursday at the House transport committee, where Transport Minister Evie Tsolaki stressed the need for coordination between ministries and government departments, noting that sections of the planned road pass through protected Natura 2000 areas.
The environment department told MPs that it expected to issue its assessment by December.
According to Stockwatch, Tsolaki declined to provide a timetable for the next stages of construction, pending the completion of the necessary environmental studies.
MPs and representatives of Limassol’s mountainous and semi-mountainous communities expressed concern over the delays, warning that inadequate road infrastructure was making commuting difficult, posing safety risks and hampering development in rural areas.
Responding to criticism over the order in which construction had begun, Tsolaki said priority had been given to the most heavily used sections of the road.
She added that the government was dealing with longstanding problems concerning the project that predated its term in office.
Despite assurances from the environment department that its assessment would be ready before the end of the year, Tsolaki did not commit to launching a tender in the first half of 2027.
MPs also raised concerns about funding, seeking assurances that the necessary resources would be available.
The finance ministry said it did not anticipate difficulties in releasing funds, provided the project moved forward.
The commissioner for mountainous areas said the Limassol-Saittas road was included in the national strategy for the development of mountainous communities, as it would improve access and strengthen connections with Limassol.
A representative of the union of communities expressed disappointment over the delays, highlighting the difficulties faced by residents, including traffic congestion and lengthy commuting times.
Meanwhile, a representative of the Troodos community complex described completion of the road as essential for the region’s development, arguing that improved accessibility would help retain the population of mountainous communities.
Disy MPs questioned the reasons for the delays and argued that rural areas contributed more to the economy than they received in public investment.
They stressed that infrastructure projects should not be assessed solely on their economic viability, but should also take into account the needs of local communities.
MPs also questioned the effectiveness of coordination between the ministries involved.
Akel MPs challenged the reliability of government timetables, pointing out that residents of mountainous communities faced disproportionately high commuting costs because of long travelling distances and rising fuel prices.
They said a 3.5km section had saved commuters ten minutes and called on the finance ministry to commit to releasing funds.
Road safety was another concern raised during the discussion, with MPs saying nine people had lost their lives in accidents on the road.
Elam argued that Limassol was lagging behind in major public infrastructure projects despite its strong economic activity and private sector performance.
Direct Democracy, meanwhile, warned that it would not vote in favour of the budget unless the Limassol-Saittas road project was included.
The issue is expected to be discussed again at the House transport committee’s next meeting.
Hadassah Medical Centre Limassol said on Thursday that it operates legally with the required licences and has never performed plasmapheresis on a patient.
In a statement, the centre said an earlier report made by Politis gave “misleading impressions that require immediate correction”.
It denied that specific complaint was pending, and it had not been informed of any finding that questioned its current operation.
Politis had reported that the health ministry was examining new complaints and that the centre holds only an imaging centre licence.
Deputy permanent secretary Elisavet Constantinou told the paper it has no hospital licence or other licence to operate as a healthcare facility, though Politis clarified that this in itself did not make any other activity unlawful.
Hadassah said a separate medical centre licence is not required for its current activities beyond professional and individual requirements, and that the licence for its radiology department had been secured.
It said a possible upgrade to a day care unit would be a separate licensing process and did not mean it was waiting for a licence for its current services.
On plasmapheresis, Politis reported that ministry inspectors had found the equipment during an inspection.
Hadassah said the equipment “was not concealed” and that a list naming the plasmapheresis system and an ozone therapy unit was sent to the ministry on August 26 as part of the final file for the imaging centre licence.
“The purchase of equipment for a planned service does not constitute proof that the service was provided,” it said.
Politis had also pointed out that only three doctors appear on the centre’s website.
Hadassah said it had already given the paper a list of 15 doctors and two clinical dietitians, and that it employs five licensed nurses and seven physical therapy and exercise professionals.
A further 15 doctors are under discussion with Hadassah but have not been announced as according to the centre “approvals are incomplete”, and it is not presenting them yet as partners.
Politis reported that some examinations or treatments may have involved doctors in Israel taking part by telephone or video link, a claim it said had not been independently verified.
Hadassah called this a misrepresentation of its second opinion service, expanding that the local doctor reviews the file and, if a second opinion is warranted and the patient agrees, prepares a report with specific clinical questions for a specialist at Hadassah in Jerusalem.
The process “does not involve tele-guidance” of a procedure in Cyprus by a doctor in Israel, it insisted.
Chief executive Dr George Zachariadis had earlier given Politis no direct answer on teleconference participation.
The centre said it “accepts the audit and responds with evidence” but would not tolerate publications that harm its reputation through “inaccuracies and insinuations”.
The centre, based in Ayios Tychonas, has no operating theatres or inpatient beds and advertises its offering being imaging, cardiac assessment, neurological rehabilitation and physiotherapy.
In Israel, news outlet Calcalist reported that the health and finance ministries were not informed of the project beforehand.
Hadassah said it “did not invest a single shekel” in the centre, which is financed by Cypriot investors.
From November 21, all referrals from Cyprus to Hadassah in Jerusalem will go through Limassol.
The Cyprus Mail approached the Hadassah medical centre, as well as both the Cypriot and Israeli health ministries for comment.
Lordos United Public Ltd has completed the €8.16 million acquisition of a 51 per cent stake in P&S Carton Industries Ltd, following regulatory approval, bringing the Cypriot cardboard packaging manufacturer under its control.
The company announced on Thursday that it had acquired 35,700 shares in P&S Carton in accordance with the share purchase agreement signed on July 10, 2026.
The transaction was completed after the Commission for the Protection of Competition approved the deal, finding that the concentration was compatible with the functioning of competition in the market.
Following completion, P&S Carton has become a subsidiary of Lordos United, while the sellers retain a combined 49 per cent shareholding.
The acquisition marks Lordos United’s entry into Cyprus’ corrugated cardboard packaging sector, expanding its activities beyond its existing plastics manufacturing and packaging operations.
P&S Carton manufactures and sells corrugated cardboard boxes and packaging solutions to businesses across a range of industries, including food and beverages, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods.
Founded in Cyprus in 1991, the company was described as the country’s only domestic manufacturer of corrugated cardboard boxes, supplying approximately 60 per cent of local demand, with the remainder covered by imports.
When the deal was announced, Lordos United said the acquisition aligned with its long-term growth strategy and would diversify its product portfolio while creating opportunities to develop integrated packaging solutions.
The company also pointed to potential synergies between the two businesses, including opportunities to serve existing customers across a wider range of packaging products.
Lordos United said planned investment in new machinery during 2027 and 2028 was expected to increase P&S Carton’s production capacity and improve its cost competitiveness.
Based on P&S Carton’s 2025 financial results, Lordos United previously estimated that approximately €11.4 million in annual turnover would be consolidated into its group results from the acquisition date.
It also estimated that its 51 per cent share of EBITDA would amount to approximately €869,248, based on the target company’s 2025 performance.
The acquisition forms part of Lordos United’s broader expansion plans under its new management, which has highlighted growth opportunities through increased production capacity, new packaging solutions and a stronger presence in strategic sectors of the economy.
Customs officers seized 28,000 suspected counterfeit condoms during an inspection of a sea shipment arriving from Greece on Thursday.
The container was selected for scanning and a physical inspection following a risk assessment.
According to customs, the products appeared to infringe the intellectual property rights of a well-known brand, based on the accompanying documents and invoices.
The owner of the company involved reportedly admitted that the condoms were counterfeit.
Procedures for the confiscation and destruction of the products are expected to follow in the coming days.
Customs warned that counterfeit condoms could pose serious health risks, including unwanted pregnancies and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
Kanon Ito, the youngest artist at this year’s ArtCargo Festival, is a 12-year-old Japanese slackline champion ranked world No.1 in women’s freestyle tricklining for 2025/2026. She will bring her acrobatic skills to Nicosia this October for three performances and a workshop, as part of the festival’s Youth Programme, alongside a graffiti workshop, local slackliners and DJ sets.
Ito is the first girl to land a Rikuto flip on a slackline, an International Gibbon Pro Rider and the Women’s World Champion at the Trickline World Cup in Munich, Germany.
Performing on a line just a few centimetres wide, Ito will showcase her jumps and aerial tricks, including her signature move, ‘Cannon Ball’. The performances take place on October 24 at 13:00 and 15:00, and October 25 at 17:00, at the square in front of the old Nicosia City Hall, near Eleftheria Square.
Ito will also lead a slackline workshop on October 25 at 13:00, introducing participants to the basics of balance, movement and tricklining at the old Nicosia City Hall.
The performance forms part of the ArtCargo Youth Programme, supported this year by its primary partner, VF Foundation, and the Embassy of Japan in Cyprus. Bringing together sport, circus and street culture, the programme aims to introduce young people in Cyprus to these urban art forms and encourage participation in creative and physical activities.
“Urban spaces belong to everyone, especially the youth,” says the VF Foundation. “Bringing young artists and athletes into public spaces creates opportunities for inspiration and connection. Kanon Ito is an incredible young artist whose skills challenge expectations and inspire people of all generations. We are thrilled to bring her to Cyprus for the first time and grateful to the Embassy of Japan for its support.”
“We are delighted to support Ms Kanon Ito’s participation in Art Cargo in Cyprus,” says the Embassy of Japan.“It is wonderful to welcome such a talented young slackline athlete, bridging the geographical and cultural distance between our two countries. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the organisers of Art Cargo for making her journey from Japan possible and look forward to witnessing her inspiring performance.” The Youth Programme also features a Spot Tagging workshop led by George Kyrou, in collaboration with Spot Art Supplies, on October 25 at 15:30. Participants will practise creating their tags in notepads using markers designed for tagging. DJ sets and street performances by local slackliners will take place across both days, spreading the celebration of urban street culture.
With the support of Exness and bbf:, all performances and workshops have free admission, giving children, teenagers and audiences of all ages the opportunity to see an internationally recognised young athlete perform live in the heart of Nicosia.
Larnaca interest groups as well as MPs were stunned to hear on Thursday that management of the marina cannot be directly assigned to the Ports Authority, throwing a spanner into redevelopment plans.
Up until now, management of the town’s port and marina, for the purposes of redevelopment, had been understood to be under the Ports Authority (CPA).
But in parliament, it emerged that management of the marina cannot legally be assigned directly to the CPA, as it is the property of the state. As such, said an official from the attorney-general’s office, the only option is to launch an open tender – in which the CPA could bid.
By contrast, the port itself is the property of the CPA, and therefore the authority may continue managing it.
Transport Minister Evi Tsolaki acknowledged the legal quagmire, but assured attendees of the government’s intention to proceed with the project overall.
She recalled that in 2024 the government terminated the €1.2 billion port and marina concession agreement with Kition Ocean Holdings due to the consortium’s failure to renew a mandatory financial letter of guarantee.
A representative of the CPA noted that the road map for the redevelopment concerns both the port and the marina.
Nevertheless, he argued, completing one of the components does not depend on completing the other – suggesting that the planned works for the port could go ahead in the meantime.
Weighing in, the head of the Larnaca district local government organisation (EOA) called for legal clarity on the status of the project.
Angelos Hadjicharalambous said that during a prior meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides and the former transport minister, the government had given the impression it was committed to the project.
Likewise, the deputy mayor of Larnaca complained about the legal confusion, which would create more delays for a project that is hugely significant for the coastal city.
Nikos Gregoriou, a representative of the PEO trade union, said the port must remain under state management, warning against any thoughts at privatisation.
Opposition MPs also asked why the government had not come clean earlier on the legal aspect.
In July this year, the CPA had unveiled a roadmap for a €415 million redevelopment programme for the port and marina envisaging phased investment over the next two decades.
The overall programme extended to 2045, with the master plan expected to be completed by 2029.
The largest component concerns the port, where investment of around €205 million is planned through to 2045.
A further €190 million has been allocated for redevelopment of the marina land and adjacent areas between 2027 and 2036.
The roadmap envisaged hotels, restaurants, office space, recreation facilities and a conference centre, with most commercial projects expected to be undertaken by private investors.
The CPA would undertake responsibility for infrastructure, maintenance and strategic management, while commercial and tourism developments would be financed largely through private investment under the overall planning framework.
According to the roadmap, the strategic objective is to bolster Larnaca’s role in shipping while reconnecting the waterfront through continuous public access between the marina and port.
South African police said on Thursday they were investigating the killing of a foreign national by a crowd of about 50 people in the city of Durban.
The South African Police Service said in a post on X that the victim, thought to be in his late 30s or early 40s, was beaten by the crowd and declared dead at the scene A group of people had been marching in central Durban when two men appeared to break away and approach the victim, after which he was assaulted by about 50 people, police said
Police did not give the victim’s nationality and said the motive for the killing was unknown The incident follows months of anti-migrant protests in South Africa, some of which have turned violent and drawn international criticism, prompting thousands of migrants from elsewhere in Africa to flee affected communities.
Earlier this month, anti-migrant protests in Durban and Johannesburg’s Soweto township turned violent, with foreign-owned businesses looted and vehicles set alight after demonstrations against the processing of asylum applications at a refugee reception centre
The European Consumer Centre Cyprus handled 864 cross-border complaints and 557 requests for information in 2025, resolving approximately 53 per cent of enquiries and cases successfully, according to its annual report.
The centre said cases were resolved in cooperation with European Consumer Centres in other member states, with the aim of reaching out-of-court settlements that satisfied the parties involved.
Only 4.8 per cent of cases were referred to other alternative dispute resolution bodies, the report found.
Consumer satisfaction with the centre’s case-handling services reached 95.24 per cent, a level the report described as a long-standing achievement.
The European Consumer Centre Cyprus operates within the Consumer Protection Service of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry.
It provides free advice and practical assistance to consumers experiencing problems with cross-border transactions within the European Union, as well as in Norway and Iceland.
As part of its public information and education activities, more than 1,114 primary school pupils took part in the “Safe Online Shopping” educational programme during 2025.
Centre officials also appeared on television and radio programmes to inform the public about consumer rights, with particular emphasis on air travel and online shopping.
The centre additionally participated in surveys, consultations and questionnaires organised by the European Commission and the European consumer network.
Through these contributions, it provided evidence-based responses and helped strengthen consumer information and protection across the single market.
The report highlighted the centre’s work in handling cross-border complaints, educating consumers and contributing to wider European efforts to protect consumer rights.
MPs on Thursday called for tighter controls on property purchases by foreign nationals, warning that legislation restricting individual buyers could prove ineffective unless companies and other corporate structures were also covered.
The House interior committee continued examining proposed amendments to legislation governing the acquisition of property by foreigners, with discussions expected to resume in a fortnight.
The committee is awaiting the government’s next steps towards drafting a comprehensive legislative proposal regulating property acquisitions by foreign nationals.
Committee chairman and Akel MP Aristos Damianou said efforts to introduce the legislation were gathering pace, expressing hope that the process could be concluded by the end of the year.
He said consolidated drafts had been prepared in April, but the process was interrupted by the parliamentary elections in May.
Damianou described the issue as “particularly serious”, saying it concerned national security, the economy and the country’s future.
“We are a partially occupied state, part of whose territory is occupied by Turkey, whilst part of its territory is under the control of British bases,” he said, stressing the need to establish clear criteria and restrictions on property acquisitions.
He also raised concerns about property transactions conducted through contracts that, he said, were often not made public, allowing foreign interests to acquire property through companies and other intermediary arrangements.
Damianou warned that legislation focusing exclusively on individuals would be insufficient.
“If issues concerning natural persons, companies, funds and all those who purchase property in Cyprus in a concealed manner are not also regulated, then regulating natural persons alone will be insufficient,” he said.
Disy MP Nikoletta Konstantinou also called for a comprehensive approach, saying the proposed legislation concerned the Republic’s strategic interests and national security.
She expressed concern that restrictions applying only to individuals could undermine the effectiveness of the legislation, arguing that both natural and legal persons should be covered.
“There is little point in discussing whether a natural person will be unable to purchase a property, be it 1,000, 2,000 or 4,000 square metres, if the beneficial owner themselves will ultimately be able to acquire property through a corporate structure,” she said.
Konstantinou argued that the government should have presented a comprehensive proposal taking into account European law, the property market and Cyprus’ investment policy.
“Our aim must be a framework that genuinely protects national security and the Republic’s strategic interests, without creating unjustified or disproportionate restrictions that ultimately cause problems for the country’s economic and investment activity,” she said.
Meanwhile, Diko MP Panikos Leonidou called for immediate action to regulate land purchases by third-country nationals.
He said the situation had reached “uncontrolled proportions” and was causing concern among citizens.
Leonidou urged Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou and his ministry to take the initiative and introduce comprehensive legislation.
“The ministry of the interior must immediately table a bill covering all aspects of this problem,” he said.
England captain Harry Brook smashed the fastest double ton in One-Day International history and became the first Englishman to score 200 in the format as he powered his side to 429-4 against Sri Lanka in their tri-series match in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
The 27-year-old rewrote the record books by racing to his double hundred in 114 balls, surpassing the previous mark of 117 deliveries set by India’s Shubman Gill.
In the process, Brook also eclipsed England’s highest individual ODI score of 182, held by all-rounder Ben Stokes.
Brook’s scintillating performance ended with the final ball of England’s innings when he was caught by Sahan Arachchige off the bowling of Janith Liyanage.
He made 202 from 116 deliveries, peppering the Sri Lanka attack with 21 fours and 10 sixes before departing to warm applause from the crowd.
Joe Root provided strong support with 69 from 66 balls, finishing as England’s second-highest scorer of the day.
The construction of a tramway in Limassol could cost as much as €95 million per kilometre, the city’s mayor Yiannis Armeftis said on Thursday, as he evaluated the prospects for a tramway to be built in Cyprus’ second city.
“Preliminary estimates vary significantly depending on the technology to be used, with the cost ranging from €25m to €95m per kilometre,” he told television channel Sigma, though he did stress that “such an investment should not be evaluated solely based on construction costs”.
Instead, he said, “the equation should take into account the benefits which could arise from upgrading transit areas, increasing the value of land and real estate, and improving people’s quality of life”.
On this front, he made reference to “the economic cost caused by traffic delays through lost working hours and people’s travel time”, with Limassol frequently subject to long rush-hour tailbacks on its road network.
He said that Cyprus is “excessively dependent on the private car”, and that that makes his own city’s traffic issue “particularly difficult to deal with”.
“No city has solved its traffic problem when dependence on the private car reaches around 90 per cent. Traffic can be managed properly when public transport is also used,” he said.
Govt currently spends €100m per year on public transport
At present, he said, the government spends around €100m per year on public transport, of which around a quarter is spent on Limassol.
However, he added, “despite these significant expenditures, the use of buses remains limited”. To this end, he pointed out that only three to five per cent of journeys undertaken across Cyprus involve a bus, and said that “long delays and time-consuming routes discourage people” from using the bus to travel.
“It is not convenient because it has also lost its credibility,” he said, though he did stress that on the other hand, when a bus route is both reliable and useful, the public may take to it.
He gave the example of Limassol’s number 30 bus route, which runs along its coastal road, and said that “frequent and fast routes are a basic requirement for people to choose the bus instead of the car”.
On the matter of the possibility of constructing a tramway, he said that he had attended a meeting at the transport ministry on Monday, during which “the first steps of the studies were presented, as well as preliminary data on the possibility of installing a tram in Limassol”.
“The aim of the process is to examine whether this is a realistic and sustainable option, which could function complementarily to other means of public transport,” he said.
Availability of space ‘one of the main challenges’
Asked how a tramway could be installed in a city where “available road space is already limited”, he said that “this is one of the main challenges of the project”.
Nonetheless, he pointed out that bus lanes have already been installed in Limassol, and that they could be “used as tram corridors”.
He also pointed out that “other European cities” with “even smaller populations or dense construction” have also managed to build tramways.
“Behaviour changes when there are appropriate routes and when there is appropriate infrastructure,” he said.
Prountzos had called for tramway in Nicosia
His comments come after Nicosia mayor Charalambos Prountzos had last month renewed his call for a tramway to be built in the capital, saying that the Nicosia municipality had initially prepared a study for a 14-kilometre tram line, and that after he took office in 2024, the length of the planned line grew to 20km.
Regarding how the plans could be financed, pointed out that the European Union’s next multiannual financial framework – the bloc’s budget for the period covering the years between 2028 and 2034 – enters force “in about a year”, and said that as such, discussions about a tramway “should have already started” with a view to securing EU funding.
Greek retail investors are increasingly turning to stock markets with relatively small starting amounts and a long-term investment approach, according to a new report by Wealthyhood, the investment platform that partnered with the Bank of Cyprus to expand access to investing in Cyprus.
The report, titled ‘Greek Investor Pulse 2026: The New Greek Investor‘, marks the first anniversary of Wealthyhood’s launch in Greece in October 2025 and draws on anonymised, aggregated data from more than 35,000 registered users.
It found that the typical new investor is 34 years old and starts investing with €100, while more than eight in 10 investors are currently in profit.
The findings also point to growing interest in domestic shares, with one in five investors now holding Greek stocks or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) following the introduction of Greek shares to the platform in July 2026.
The report is also relevant to Cyprus, where Wealthyhood launched a co-branded investment platform with the Bank of Cyprus earlier this year, making investing available to residents regardless of whether they bank with the lender.
The Wealthyhood x BoC platform subsequently introduced trading in Cypriot and Greek shares, allowing retail investors to access companies listed on the Cyprus Stock Exchange and Euronext Athens through a single application, with fractional investing available from €1.
“We thank our clients for their trust in our first year in Greece, and we make a promise that our app will keep getting better, day by day, to make investing easy, affordable and safe for everyone,” said Alexandros Christodoulakis, co-founder and chief executive of Wealthyhood.
Younger investors and broader participation
The report describes an investor base spanning different age groups, regions and income brackets, consisting mainly of employees and self-employed professionals on everyday incomes.
The median age is 34, with 34 per cent of investors under 30 and 31 per cent aged between 35 and 44.
Women account for approximately one in six new investors, although their returns were higher than those of men, at 23.8 per cent against 20.9 per cent on an annual basis.
Wealthyhood said increasing women’s participation remained one of the most important challenges for Greece’s investment market.
The figures also suggest that investing is no longer confined to high earners, with 58 per cent of investors declaring annual incomes below €20,000.
Around 66 per cent work full-time, while 17 per cent are self-employed.
Geographically, investors using the platform live in 458 towns across 73 of Greece’s 74 regional units.
Attica accounts for 51 per cent of investors, leaving 49 per cent living elsewhere in the country, while Thessaloniki follows with 11.7 per cent.
Other cities with notable investor populations include Patras, Heraklion, Chania, Larissa and Volos.
ETFs dominate first investments
Exchange-traded funds are the most common starting point for new investors, with 56 per cent making an ETF their first investment.
These funds provide exposure to a collection of stocks through a single investment, offering a way to diversify without buying each share individually.
The most popular first investment is the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, which tracks the performance of 500 of the largest US companies and was chosen by 18 per cent of new Greek investors.
The S&P 500 is also the most popular investment overall, while NVIDIA is the favourite individual stock across generations.
Trading activity is concentrated around the opening of US markets, with the busiest hour falling between 5pm and 6pm, often after the working day.
Weekdays account for 91 per cent of orders, compared with 9 per cent at weekends.
Recommendations from friends also play a significant role in bringing new investors to the market, with 23 per cent saying they began investing following a referral.
Greek shares gain ground
Since Greek stocks became available on the platform in July, one in five investors has added Greek shares or ETFs to their portfolio.
The report found that 21 per cent of every euro invested since July went into Greek stocks and ETFs, while Public Power Corporation (PPC) rose to become the eighth most popular stock of the year within just three months of the market becoming available.
The findings suggest that access through a digital platform has encouraged investors to diversify beyond international markets and consider domestic companies.
The report also examined investor behaviour during the March 2026 market sell-off, finding that users bought €1.82 for every €1 they sold.
Almost half of Greek investors had not sold any of their investments, a finding Wealthyhood said pointed to a relatively long-term approach despite market volatility.
Most investors in profit
Overall, 82.8 per cent of investors were in profit, with an average annualised return of 21.1 per cent.
The report also found that investors who traded less frequently achieved higher returns than those who made more frequent trades.
Those making fewer moves and avoiding selling recorded annualised returns of 23.3 per cent, compared with 18.5 per cent among more active traders.
Wealthyhood said five broad conclusions emerged from the first year of data, including wider access to investing, a long-term investment horizon, resilience during the March sell-off, growing interest in Greek shares and positive returns across much of its investor base.
The findings indicate a gradual change in how Greek retail investors approach financial markets, with smaller initial investments, diversification through ETFs and increasing participation in domestic stocks.
Wealthyhood said its aim was to contribute to public discussion about retail participation in capital markets, using real-world anonymised data to examine who invests, what they choose and how they react during periods of uncertainty.
A couple of weeks ago LOEL celebrated 30 years of its Zivania, which has reached iconic status among lovers of this grape marc spirit. Zivania is a traditional alcoholic beverage, which has been produced for centuries in Cyprus by distillation, playing an important role in the everyday life of Cypriots.
Zivania is produced by distillation. A strong drink, it is high in alcoholic content, which according to tradition is made only from grapes. Since 2004, Zivania has been protected under EU regulations as a product unique to Cyprus and as such cannot be produced in any other country or marketed under that name. In 2008 it was classified with Protected Geographical Indication.
Zivania is characterised by its typical taste and aroma. It is colourless with a pleasant alcoholic content with light aroma of raisins. The typical alcohol content is 45% by volume. It is a pure drink that contains no sugars and has no acidity.
From tradition to protected status
Historical references to Zivania are few, probably because travellers and writers focused on the excellent Cyprus wine. Giovanni Mariti in the late 18th century tells of a drink which he names Acquavite with a description that perfectly resembles Zivania. He also mentions that this drink was exported to Syria.
Evidence of its continued production during the Ottoman and British occupation of the island comes from British writer Samuel Baker, who in 1879 reported: “…the refuse of skins and stalks is laid upon one side to ferment for the manufacture of raki, or spirit, by distillation…”
Until 1949, wine producers used to sell Zivania to wine and spirit merchants. In that year a colonial decree made the distribution of Zivania by the wine producers illegal (because the government found it too difficult to collect excise duties), thus sending production underground.
The above-mentioned colonial decree was abolished in 1998 and since then the production of Zivania has been legal, allowing producers to market it under its proper name. Quality control is ensured by the Vine Products Commission according to the Rules and Regulations of 1998 for the control of Zivania.
Zivania can only be produced in industrial units which have received approval from the Customs Department, and its distillation apparatus approved by the agriculture ministry. As a result of the new regulation, Zivania quality improved significantly.
How Zivania is produced
Zivania is produced from pomace, the residue of grapes pressed during the winemaking process mixed with high-quality dry wines, all produced from the local grape varieties of Cyprus. It is exclusively produced by the distillation of the two indigenous varieties Mavro and Xynisteri.
The process adopted for the fermentation is the one which is used for red wine making, irrespective of the grape varieties, but fermenting the whole grape mass.
The bouquet of Zivania is ensured by the volatile compounds which are transferred from the grape residue during distillation. The pomace/wine mixture is distilled in special distillation apparatus which was traditionally named ‘lambkins’, an ancient Greek word that was paraphrased by the Arabs.
Traditional distillation, as known by villagers, has today given way to modern technology and Zivania is produced in large distillation tanks made from stainless steel where the wine is mixed with the grape mass and heated up in steam. All approved Zivania producers have in-house chemical labs for analysing the final product before this reaches the market, checking that methanol levels are within the specified limits.
What makes Zivania unique
There are similar products from other countries. In mainland Greece the distillate is called tsipouro, on the island of Crete tsikoudia, in Arab speaking countries arak, in Bulgaria rakea, in Romania tsuica, in Italy grappa, in France eau-de-vie, in Slavic states vinovice and so on. Not all these drinks are made exclusively from grapes.
The authentic taste and aroma (which is a Greek word, meaning pleasant smell) of Zivania is due to its unique chemical composition and it is ensured by the volatile compounds which are transferred from the grape residue during distillation. It is believed that the differentiation between Zivania and other alcoholic beverages is related to the unique geological and climatic conditions existing in Cyprus, the methods of production and distillation and the type of grapes.
Climate of course influences the quality of both grapes and Zivania. Cyprus has an intense Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and short spring and autumn seasons. Average temperatures during ripening strongly influence potential wine and Zivania style. Sunlight duration is also very important, and it acts mainly by controlling the sugar in grapes. The most critical period for quality of the grapes is around the start of ripening. Good conditions ensure an ample reserve of sugar in the grape and flavour and aroma compounds in Zivania. Wind intensity and relative humidity and evaporation affect both quantity and quality of grapes and Zivania.
Zivania LOEL ABV 45%
Distilled from a mixture of local Xynisteri and Mavro grape pomace and dry wines. Crystal-clear appearance with a light raisin aroma, clean alcoholic warmth, and a dry finish. It contains zero sugar and zero acidity. Usually served ice-cold as an aperitif or digestif, paired with Cypriot meze, nuts, dried fruits, or savoury snacks. 20cl €4.30, 37.5cl €7, 70cl €12.50, 100cl €17.50
Where do you live? I live with my beloved wife, Anna, and our dog, Nugget.
What did you have for breakfast? I had my favourite breakfast: toasted wholegrain bread with dry anari cheese and plums. But I wish I’d had a chocolate croissant!
Describe your perfect day My perfect day would definitely be spent somewhere in nature, relaxing, having a nice coffee and enjoying a piece of my favourite sweet treat.
Best book ever read? I think my favourite book I’ve ever read is The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well. I found it fascinating to learn about how the Danes live and the habits they have. Reading it actually helped me quite a lot.
Best childhood memory? One beautiful memory I have is from when I was little and my grandfather would take me on long bicycle rides. He was a lottery ticket seller, so he would ride around the city centre selling tickets and take me along with him. It’s such a beautiful memory.
What is always in your fridge? Sparkling water, cucumbers, chocolate and home-cooked meals!
What music are you listening to in the car at the moment? I’ve been listening to Olivia Dean recently.
What’s your spirit animal? My spirit animal would definitely be some kind of bird. Whenever I see birds in the sky, I think about how much I would love to fly that high, too. Their singing also calms me down so much.
What are you most proud of? Professionally, I’m very proud of the journey I’ve had with Lash Dolls so far, and I’m also incredibly proud of our new shop.
What movie scene has really stayed with you? The scene in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things where Bella, the main character, learns how to walk. It was so iconic! It’s one of my favourite films ever.
If you could pick anyone at all, alive or dead, to go out for the evening with, who would it be? I’d choose my favourite singer, my one and only, Amy Winehouse. I would absolutely love to meet her. I was so sad when she passed away!
If you could time travel, when and where would you go? I’d travel back to the 1950s. I love the aesthetic, the shapes, the fashion — everything about that era!
What is your greatest fear? I think my greatest fear is earthquakes. I’m really scared of them.
What would you say to your 18-year-old self? First of all, I’d tell him not to take everything so seriously. I’d also tell him not to worry so much and remind him that he is worthy and that he is enough.
Name the one thing that would stop you dating someone I could never be with someone who takes themselves too seriously or doesn’t have a sense of humour!
What would you do if the world was going to end in 24 hours? I’d hug and kiss all my loved ones, have a glass of wine and enjoy a nice pasta dish by the beach.
George creates handmade fabric dolls, fluffy soft toys, accessories and illustrations. He also run creative workshops for kids, teens and adults, as well as birthday workshops. Halloween workshops will be held throughout October, followed by an annual Christmas event on December 5 and 6. Follow him on Instagram
With the introduction of “Lidl Points” within the Lidl Plus app, Lidl Cyprus is offering its customers even more flexibility, freedom of choice, and opportunities to save on their daily shopping. As of October 22, 2026, users can collect valuable points with every purchase and redeem them individually for attractive rewards – in addition to the existing benefits and discount coupons already available in the Lidl Plus app.
The mechanics of “Lidl Points” are designed to be simple, highly rewarding and transparent: every euro spent corresponds to one point collected. To maximise the benefit for customers right from the first cent, Lidl applies a fair “round-up logic”: every fraction of a euro counts as a full point (e.g., a purchase of €1.01 automatically yields 2 points). Participation and point collection are fully integrated digitally into the Lidl Plus app. To have points credited automatically, customers simply identify themselves at the checkout by scanning their digital card or entering their mobile number.
Maximum freedom, absolute flexibility for customers
Customer empowerment and fast access to rewards are at the heart of the programme. “Lidl Points” offer maximum flexibility, allowing customers to decide for themselves how and when they want to be rewarded. Unlike traditional programmes, customers do not have to wait long to unlock the benefits of their loyalty.
Users can choose from an extensive rewards catalog featuring more than 400 different free products. Alternatively, collected points can be easily converted into discount coupons to be used directly on their next purchase. To make saving even faster, Lidl will regularly launch “Extra Points Campaigns” directly within the app – starting right on Monday, November 9, 2026 with special promotions such as Double Points on selected products.
“With the launch of ‘Lidl Points,’ we are taking the next logical and consistent step in the evolution of Lidl Plus,” said said Afroditi Pampa, Chief Customer Officer of Lidl Cyprus. “We want to offer our customers not only the best value for money, but also the smartest, simplest and most enjoyable shopping experience. Our customers decide for themselves how they want to be rewarded for their loyalty: uncomplicated, digital and transparent.”
Long-term benefits include no end-of-month pressure
Lidl is committed to a long-term customer relationship: collected points remain valid for 24 months. This marks a significant improvement for customers, as the pressure of points expiring at the end of each calendar month is completely eliminated. Customers can comfortably accumulate their points over a long period to save up for higher-value rewards.
To celebrate the launch of “Lidl Points,” all users will receive an attractive welcome bonus of 100 points, allowing them to experience the initiative’s benefits immediately. In accordance with legal standards, certain product categories such as tobacco products, baby food, pharmaceuticals and shopping bags (large and small) are excluded from earning points.
Saudi Aramco has told staff to evacuate its Dhahran headquarters and work remotely, six people with knowledge of the matter said on Thursday, a day after two people were killed in an attack on a nearby airport.
The move marked the first time Aramco had asked staff to evacuate its headquarters since the start of the Iran war. Aramco did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis caused extensive damage to the company’s headquarters earlier this month when they struck the building, with fire spreading across several floors, three people with direct knowledge told Reuters.
The facility hosts an operations centre, which helps the world’s largest oil company oversee onshore and offshore oil rigs, refineries, export terminals and thousands of kilometres of pipelines.
It was unclear what the reason for the evacuation was.
Two people were killed and eight injured in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia’s eastern oil hub of Dammam on Wednesday evening, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said on Thursday. Dammam lies around 15 km (9 miles) north of Dhahran.
Separately, two people were killed on Wednesday after Saudi air defences intercepted a drone that was attempting to hit a facility at Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield, which is located hundreds of kilometres to the southeast, the energy ministry said.
Saudi Arabia has responded to Houthi attacks with a wave of strikes on missile launcher sites, vowing to protect the kingdom, and says it has intercepted many ballistic missiles fired by the group.
The kingdom has been seeking wider support from allies for its campaign against the Houthis and to help it ward off their missile and drone attacks.
Washington, Saudi Arabia’s strongest ally and longtime security guarantor, has so far rebuffed Saudi efforts to bring it directly into the war against the Houthis.
The US State Department ordered some diplomats and family members to depart from its missions in Saudi Arabia and plans to withdraw family members from a number of other US missions in the region, US officials told Reuters on Wednesday.
Washington had returned some diplomatic personnel to the region in recent months after many were pulled out when Tehran launched attacks on US facilities after the US-Israeli war on Iran began in late February.
The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) has thanked those who attended the funeral of its late deputy general managerNikos Trypatsas, and those who sent condolences, laid wreaths or made donations in his memory.
In an announcement issued on Thursday, the exchange’s council and staff expressed their gratitude to everyone who paid tribute to Trypatsas, honouring his long-standing contribution to the organisation, his integrity and his character.
Trypatsas passed away on Monday following a prolonged battle with cancer, having served the CSE for 32 years after joining the organisation in 1994.
The exchange announced three days of mourning following his death, with flags flown at half-mast in his memory.
In its initial tribute, the CSE described his death as an irreplaceable loss to the organisation and to those who had worked alongside him.
It praised his professional career, dedication and contribution to the exchange’s work and mission, saying he had left an enduring mark on the organisation.
The CSE also paid tribute to his personal qualities and relationships with colleagues, describing him as an exceptional co-worker and a valued friend.
“The CSE family is saying goodbye to an exceptional colleague, but above all, a precious friend,” the exchange said.
The Heritage Private School of Limassol is delighted to announce that it has once again been awarded the prestigious British Council International School Award (ISA) for 2026–2029, in recognition of its “Outstanding Development of the International Dimension in the Curriculum”.
The School is proud to be the only school in Cyprus to hold this distinction, having maintained its ISA status continuously since 2008.
This recognition is particularly significant in demonstrating that a genuinely international education is not defined by any single curriculum or qualification. At Heritage, the academic strength and rigour of the British curriculum, A Levels and the Apolytirion are complemented by a rich international dimension, with global perspectives, experiences and opportunities embedded throughout school life.
International engagement is central to the School’s mission: “Inspiring curious minds, fostering holistic excellence, and building a strong community of responsible global citizens”. With more than 1600 students representing over 55 nationalities, the School appreciates cultural diversity and promotes respect for individuals, cultures and traditions, while celebrating the Cypriot culture within which its community lives and learns.
Growing potential for an interconnected world
The School actively seeks to develop confident, compassionate and responsible global citizens who are equipped to reach their full potential and contribute positively to an increasingly interconnected world. This commitment is reflected in a wide range of international educational experiences.
During 2025 and continuing into 2026, students have participated in and prepared for initiatives including four Model United Nations conferences in Athens and The Hague, the Model European Council, a UNESCO Symposium, the Euromath & Euroscience Conference, the Young Naturalists League programme in Thessaloniki and a World Challenge expedition to Vietnam. Through Erasmus+, the School works with international partner schools, providing opportunities for reciprocal student exchanges and collaborative educational projects that promote intercultural understanding and shared learning.
The School’s international engagement is further strengthened by its distinction as the only APSnet UNESCO-certified private school in Cyprus and one of only two PASCH-accredited schools in the country. Through PASCH (Schools: Partners for the Future), students benefit from opportunities for international exchange, educational projects, competitions, language courses and multinational summer schools in Germany. The School’s commitment to this initiative was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in the presence of the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Cyprus, representatives of the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Goethe-Institut Cyprus.
Beyond these initiatives, students take part in a variety of national and international competitions spanning entrepreneurship, mathematics, languages, creative writing, poetry and peace, including Junior Achievement, Kangourou, the Lions International Peace Poster Competition and the AMOPA Plaisir d’écrire International Competition.
Fostering responsible global citizenship
The School’s commitment to responsible global citizenship also extends to service and community engagement. Volunteering is an integral part of school life, with the School supporting 10 local charities and sponsoring a child in Rwanda through ActionAid. Educational and cultural trips abroad, alongside themed learning days in the Primary School, further encourage students to explore different civilisations, traditions and perspectives.
The British Council International School Award recognises the School’s sustained commitment to developing international perspectives across the curriculum, fostering meaningful partnerships and creating enriching learning experiences that broaden students’ horizons beyond the depth of academic study.
Looking ahead, the School remains committed to expanding its international partnerships and creating meaningful learning opportunities that inspire students to embrace different cultures and develop a global perspective which further enriches their academic excellence.
The Association of Cyprus Banks (ACB) is taking part for the sixth consecutive year in the ASPIS awareness campaign, urging the public to remain vigilant against online scams and protect their personal and banking information.
The campaign is being run in cooperation with the Office of the Commissioner of Electronic Communications and Postal Regulation and the Cyprus Police, with the aim of protecting citizens from electronic fraud and strengthening security in digital transactions.
In an announcement, the association urged people to be “particularly careful” when dealing with suspicious text messages, emails and telephone calls requesting personal or banking details, passwords or transaction verification codes.
“A sense of urgency, suspicious links and requests for immediate confirmation of details are warning signs that should raise concerns among citizens,” the association said.
“As electronic transactions and digital communication become an integral part of everyday life, the methods used by fraudsters are constantly evolving,” it added.
“Awareness and prevention are therefore essential tools for protecting citizens and their property,” the association said.
The banking association stressed that the security of data, information and transactions remains a constant priority for the banking sector and the association itself.
“Banks invest in the security of their systems and transactions, while informing citizens about risks and protective measures remains crucial,” it pointed out.
The ASPIS campaign also underlines the importance of cooperation between the relevant authorities and the active participation of the public in efforts to create a safer digital environment, the association said.
Information on avoiding online scams, together with key warning signs that can help people identify attempted fraud, is available on the association’s website.
The association added that raising awareness and adopting simple digital security practices could make a substantial contribution to preventing fraud.
“Protection against online scams is everyone’s responsibility,” the association stressed.
“Awareness, vigilance and the responsible use of digital services are the first line of defence,” it concluded.
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