Financial

Moody's, the prominent credit rating agency, has declared that it is placing the Israeli government's credit rating under review for a potential downgrade. This announcement comes in the wake of the recent outbreak of war in the region, and it closely follows a similar decision made by Fitch, another credit rating company

In the wake of the ongoing conflict in the region, several Western fast-food chains, including McDonald's, KFC, and Starbucks, are facing a significant boycott across various Arab countries. The boycott, primarily driven by social media movements, has gained traction in countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, and Morocco

In the third quarter of this year, Strauss reported a notable increase in sales, reaching NIS 2.67 billion, marking a 7.3% rise compared to the corresponding quarter. However, the company's profitability is under pressure, with a net profit of NIS 120 million, significantly lower than the NIS 204 million in the third quarter of 2021

In the aftermath of a Houthi attack on a vital sea crossing, sea freight prices from China surge by 12%, impacting Israel's economy. In recent developments, the Houthi rebels in Yemen pose a significant threat to Israel, not only through direct missile attacks but also by potentially closing a crucial shipping lane – the Bab al-Mandab strait. This strategic waterway facilitates the passage of 6.2 million barrels of oil per day and 10% of global trade

Intel has revealed a comprehensive investment plan in collaboration with the Israeli government to bolster its production capabilities in Kiryat Gat. This development involves an additional $15 billion investment in the plant, supplementing the $10 billion commitment made in 2019. The multinational corporation will construct a new chip factory, supported by a substantial $3.2 billion grant disbursed over several years, constituting 12.8% of the total investment

In a surprising move, credit rating company Ma'alot S&P announced today that it is elevating the rating of the aerospace industry to A-, just six months after boosting it to BBB+. The company attributes this change to the aerospace industry's resilient operational performance, which remains robust despite the ongoing war and reserve mobilization

In an abrupt change, the price of fuel in Israel skyrocketed overnight by 28 shekels per liter, reaching a staggering NIS 7.22 per liter for Octane 95. This surge comes after a decision made at noon in a Ministry of Finance meeting to not extend the discount on the current price, effectively ending a fuel subsidy through tax reduction that lasted for a year and a half

In a groundbreaking move, State Comptroller Mattaniho Engelman is recommending a comprehensive reassessment of Israel's fixed inflation target, which has remained unchanged at 1% to 3% per year for two decades. The recommendation comes as inflation exceeded the government's target, leading to deviations that could significantly impact the state budget and corporate financial planning. Engelman's call for a reevaluation is grounded in the recent economic developments, particularly the surge in inflation post-COVID, with the inflation rate reaching 5.3% in 2022. The State Comptroller's...

In a surprising move, Solaredge, a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, has unveiled plans for an extensive streamlining program, involving the layoff of 900 employees, with 550 job cuts in its home base, Israel. This amounts to a significant 16% reduction in the company's workforce, which currently stands at around 5,500 employees

In a recent hearing at the Knesset's finance committee, Professor Amir Yaron, the Governor of the Bank of Israel, voiced apprehensions regarding the potential downgrade of Israel's credit rating. Prof. Yaron acknowledged the increased risk premium since October 7, emphasizing the necessity for the government to implement challenging measures in the 2024 state budget to address economic concerns