Capital Market

Israel's consumer price index for September has dropped by 0.1% compared to August, leading to a decrease in the annual inflation rate from 4.1% in August to 3.8%. The unexpected drop in inflation is bolstering expectations that the Bank of Israel will not raise interest rates at its upcoming October meeting, taking into account the slowing inflation and the economic impact of the recent conflict.

In a joint initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and the Association of Industrialists, along with the Employment Service, Israel has launched a nationwide campaign urging citizens to step up and enlist for essential roles within the industrial and commercial sectors. The primary goal of this initiative is to ensure a continuous supply of food and vital products to both civilians and soldiers, addressing a severe shortage of workers caused by multiple factors

In a dramatic turn of events, the Ministry of Justice issued a stern ultimatum to government ministers this week, demanding that they personally request approval for coalition funds, rather than relying on their officials. This bold move comes in the midst of ongoing fighting in Gaza, despite Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's public announcement of his intention to freeze these funds to allocate resources to the war effort

The financial ramifications are becoming increasingly apparent. Tonight, the S&P agency announced a significant change in its credit rating forecast for Israel, downgrading it from "stable" to "negative." This decision signals a potential medium-term credit rating reduction for the nation

Credit rating agency Moody's recently placed Israel under negative surveillance due to the ongoing conflict. In a document not yet widely circulated, Moody's has unveiled a particularly bleak forecast for the Israeli economy, anticipating significant economic challenges in the aftermath of the war

In the wake of a protracted military conflict, the Israeli high-tech industry faces unprecedented challenges in recruitment and employment. The situation is further complicated by a global economic crisis and local turmoil. Companies are forced to navigate this complex landscape, adjusting their approaches to maintain business operations while showing sensitivity to the ongoing crisis

At the International Monetary Fund's annual research conference, Bank of Israel Governor Yaron delivered an optimistic message about the country's economic strength and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges. Governor Yaron asserted that the Israeli economy possesses robust foundations and has historically demonstrated the ability to recover from difficult times. Despite the prevailing skepticism among economists regarding the pace of recovery, Yaron remained confident in a swift return to prosperity

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for October 2023 surprised analysts by increasing 0.5%, surpassing the anticipated 0.4% rise. The data, released by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) today, reflects the first month of the "Iron Swords" war, defying predictions of a decrease in prices due to reduced consumption during wartime

In a significant move to address the indirect damage caused by the ongoing "Iron Swords" war, the Tax Authority in Israel has opened an online claims system for businesses. This system allows businesses nationwide to file compensation claims, taking into account the location of the business and the extent of damage incurred during the conflict

Tel Aviv, once topping the list two years ago, has slid to the 8th position in The Economist magazine's latest ranking of the world's most expensive cities. Last year's third-place ranking now sees Tel Aviv sharing the spot with Copenhagen. The city's descent is attributed to the recent conflict in Gaza, affecting exchange rates and subsequently influencing prices. The survey, conducted between August 14 and September 11, revealed a global average price increase of 7.4% this year, slightly lower than the 8.1% jump in the previous year. Analysts express optimism about a potential slowdown...