Capital Market
Category: Capital Market
The Bank of Israel has decided to maintain its key interest rate at 4.5% for the seventh consecutive time, reflecting the ongoing economic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges. The decision follows an upward revision of the state budget deficit for 2025 and persistent inflationary pressures within the Israeli economy
Nov 25, 2024
Category: Capital Market
Israel's National Insurance Institute (NII) has published its annual poverty report for 2023, revealing that while the country's poverty rate has not increased, it remains alarmingly high compared to other developed nations. The report attributes the stabilization to government intervention, including special grants, which have even led to a minimal reduction in poverty levels. However, the figures still highlight significant socio-economic challenges, with nearly 2 million people living below the poverty line, including 872,000 children—over 27% of all children in Israel. Key Findings...
Dec 19, 2024
Category: Capital Market
In a move that could have significant consequences for civil society organizations, the Israeli government has advanced a bill to impose an 80% tax on donations from foreign political entities to non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The bill, sponsored by MK Ariel Kellner, passed the Ministerial Committee for Legislative Affairs and is set for a preliminary reading later this week, likely to be discussed in the Constitution Committee
Feb 16, 2025
Category: Capital Market
According to data released today by the Central Bureau of Statistics, the average salary for an employee position in Israel increased by 5.1% in 2024, reaching NIS 13,514 compared to NIS 12,863 in 2023. This growth significantly outpaced the consumer price index (CPI), which rose by 3.2% during the same period. However, this wage increase also has a downside for National Insurance benefits, which are linked to the CPI and are expected to be eroded by approximately 2%
Mar 4, 2025
Category: Capital Market
Discount Bank reported a modest increase in net profit for 2024, reaching NIS 4.3 billion, up 2.1% from NIS 4.2 billion in 2023. However, the bank's return on equity (ROE) declined to 14.2%, compared to 15.7% in the previous year. Despite the slight dip in ROE, the bank posted solid results, driven by strong performance in the fourth quarter
Mar 11, 2025
Category: Capital Market
The number of rented apartments has surged to 851,600, now accounting for 28.8% of all apartments in the country—up from 24.3% in 2013. Between 2023 and 2024, the number of rental units grew by 2.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.4% over the past decade. This trend shows a shift toward a more rental-based housing market
Mar 19, 2025
Category: Capital Market
Economists from Fitch, one of the world's top three credit rating agencies, visited Israel this week to meet with senior economic officials and express significant concern over the country’s political situation and the ongoing security escalation. According to one of the officials involved in the meetings, the Fitch representatives were "really worried and negatively surprised" by the current state of affairs. This has raised concerns that the agency may bring forward its report on Israel's credit rating, potentially issuing a warning of a downgrade if the situation doesn't improve
Mar 24, 2025
Knesset Approves 2025 State Budget: 619 billion shekels- Clashes Erupt in Knesset Following Approval
Category: Capital Market
The Israeli Knesset approved the 2025 state budget today (Tuesday) in a historic vote, passing both the second and third readings with 66 votes in favor and 52 against. At 619 billion shekels, the budget is the largest in Israel's history, with over 5 billion shekels earmarked for coalition funds directed toward the sectoral needs of the Haredi and Religious Zionism communities, as well as various tax increases and cuts to public services
Mar 26, 2025
Category: Capital Market
The International Monetary Fund updates the Israeli GDP growth forecast downwards - to 1.6%. This is the first official forecast of the fund after the outbreak of the war, when the forecast on the eve of the war was for growth of 3.1% in 2024
May 18, 2025
Category: Capital Market
Israel's government deficit narrowed slightly in August, reaching 4.7% of GDP, or approximately NIS 98 billion, according to data released by the Ministry of Finance. This marks a modest improvement from 4.8% in July and 5% in June
Sep 8, 2025
