Latest articles from Metin Demirsar

Turkey shines a light in the dark

October 6, 2008

Turkey is defying the onset of recession across Europe by reporting hefty profits and robust growth – although foreign investment is getting harder to come by. Writer Metin Demirsar.

Politics mars new stability

May 5, 2008

Turkey’s banks prepare to navigate the storm of a pending global economic downturn, buttressed by a surge in foreign investment and a strong currency. Yet political uncertainties cloud the future, writes Metin Demirsar in Istanbul.

Co-operative assistance for a neglected region

September 3, 2007

Metin Demirsar in Istanbul reports on the Turkey-based Eurasian zone trade and development bank – Ecobank – due to go live in December with $650m in capital.

Full steam ahead for consumer loan sector

July 4, 2007

Foreign investment continues flowing into Turkey’s financial system, and consumer banking and financing of small and medium-sized enterprises are becoming major business lines for the country’s commercial banks. Metin Demirsar reports from Istanbul.

Fears of bubble economy grow

July 4, 2007

Early general elections are planned to calm a political crisis and the economy is beginning to cool off, adding to concerns that progress made in recent years could unravel. Metin Demirsar reports from Istanbul.

Growth is not a certainty

March 5, 2007

Turkey’s economy grew 5.7% in the first nine months of 2006. But economists warn that the bloated current account deficit, mounting foreign debts and rising political risks could stifle future growth, Metin Demirsar reports from Istanbul.

Investment windows

September 4, 2006

Turkey’s young population is driving the skyrocketing demand for housing. Metin Demirsar reports on the projects that offer opportunities for investors.

Still shining

September 4, 2006

An economic slowdown has dampened Turkey’s housing boom. But construction in the commercial sector remains brisk and there is still wide scope for the development of real estate finance. Metin Demirsar reports.

Major league FDI recipient

May 2, 2006

Privatisation is sucking in unprecedented levels of foreign direct investment to Turkey. Metin Demirsar reports.

Homing in on the consumer

May 2, 2006

With interest rates falling, Turkey’s banks have moved away from financing of government debt to providing loans and mortgages. Metin Demirsar reports.
Turkey’s banking system is growing rapidly due to cross-border transactions and a buoyant economy. Banks are shifting funds from government securities to loans, as interest rates fall, and competition is intensifying in consumer banking and housing finance.

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