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Business. Lifestyle. Design.
Investment trends to watch: Opportunities for 2025
Mainstream investments like technology, healthcare, and real estate remain foundational to many portfolios. Investors increasingly look at "out-of-the-box" trends that could redefine industries and generate significant returns. Paul Rostkowski highlights a blend of traditional and unconventional investment driven by innovation, societal shifts, and global economic developments.
This year, ask different questions
Theo Dix challenges leaders to rethink 2025—not as another year for incremental goals but as a turning point for transformative change. With AI and shifting paradigms reshaping industries, this year isn't about doing more. It's about questioning assumptions, adapting to new realities, and redefining what business success looks like.
Budget 2025: A consumption fix, but where's the vision?
In his analysis of Malta's 2025 budget, economist JP Fabri highlights its focus on stimulating consumption through tax cuts and social handouts. While these measures provide short-term socio-economic relief, Malta risks undermining its long-term economic resilience and competitiveness without significant investments in productivity-enhancing reforms.
Is Malta's competitiveness in crisis?
Victor Calleja interviews six of Malta's leading economic minds: Marthese Portelli, CEO of the Malta Chamber; Marisa Xuereb, former president of the Malta Chamber; Paul Bonello, economist; Ronald Attard, EY Malta country managing partner; Norman Aquilina, group chief executive of Farsons Group; and Chris Vassallo Cesareo, president of the Malta Chamber, to discuss Malta's economic journey over the past two decades as an EU member and its future challenges.
Triple Coverage
Dayna Camilleri Clarke recently had the opportunity to sit down with the executive directors, Mark Jr. and Keith Laferla, along with senior management team member Kevin Laferla. During their discussion, they delved into the pillars of their success, the impact of family dynamics on their business, and their exciting plans for pioneering innovation in the years to come.
From barriers to boardrooms
The battle of the sexes rages on, especially in the business arena. Sarah Curmi, Maria Cauchi Delia, and Rose Marie Azzopardi are all involved in the world of finance and economics, albeit in different areas. Giselle Borg Olivier speaks to these three women about women's (developing) role in the finance industry.
Open banking: Lessons from the UK and the road ahead
Open banking has revolutionised the financial sector globally, with the UK setting a prime example of successful implementation. Despite this, Malta lags. JP Fabri explores how Malta can learn from the UK's experience to foster innovation, enhance efficiency, and understand the pivotal role of the government in overcoming potential market limitations.
From bricks to bonds
Over recent years, local investors have increased their focus on the Maltese real estate market. This attention highlights planning concerns, oversupply issues, and housing affordability challenges. Josef Cutajar, financial analyst, and Justin Mizzi, real estate valuer, on the central role of real estate in the Maltese capital market.
Between the grey and the white
Manuel Delia investigates how the changes in regulation and oversight have reshaped industries, often with severe consequences for smaller businesses and charities.
Malta's next 20 years: Building a future-ready economy
This year marks Malta's 20th anniversary of EU membership, which has driven significant transformation and unparalleled growth. Theo Dix reflects on the nation's journey and plans for a sustainable and prosperous future amidst rising population and economic challenges.
Before the next economic model
Manuel Delia delves into Malta's economic evolution in his thought-provoking piece, questioning the entrenched belief that politics is negligible in shaping economies.
Malta's moment of truth: Embracing the winds of change in 2024
Theo Dix delves into the crucial choices that Maltese business leaders and policymakers must make during rapid technological advancements, demographic changes, and global challenges.
New year, new priorities
JP Fabri addresses Malta's economic outlook and strategic priorities as a new year unfolds. Focusing on the nation's robust post-pandemic recovery and current challenges, there is a need for strategic planning in areas like education, productivity, renewable energy, and infrastructure. It underscores the importance of a cohesive, future-focused economic development strategy that aligns with Malta's strengths and addresses emerging global challenges.
MALTA 2.0: CRAFTING A UNIFIED BRAND FOR GLOBAL SUCCESS
JP Fabri explores the imperative of transformation in a post-crisis world. Drawing parallels to Darwin's principles, he underscores Malta's past successes and the urgency to diversify and fortify its economy.
STICKY INFLATION: ECONOMIC RESILIENCE AT RISK ON THE BACK OF HIGHER RATES
Jordan Portelli analyses the delicate balance between achieving desirable inflation levels and preventing economic shocks. Despite these challenges, pockets of economic resilience exist globally, offering hope amid uncertainty.
Beyond the brochure: The irrational factor in real estate investments
Justin Mizzi looks into a multifaceted issue plaguing the tourism sector and our local real estate market.
MALTA'S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK 2023
So many are, inevitably, eagerly looking to turn the page and start a new year with renewed optimism and hope for better days. Chris Meilak continues.