Israel is set to transition its stock market trading days from the current Sunday-Thursday schedule to a Monday-Friday format, in a move designed to align with global market standards. The shift, which is expected to take effect in early 2026, was announced by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Monday.
The decision to adjust trading days follows approval from both the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and the Israeli Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as consultation with the Bank of Israel. The final step for the change is Smotrich’s official endorsement, which is expected soon. The adjustment will see trading hours on Fridays end at 2:00 p.m., with special accommodations made to ensure the observance of Shabbat and meet the needs of all market participants.
Global Market Alignment
The move is part of Israel’s effort to integrate more seamlessly into the global financial ecosystem, with a focus on improving accessibility for international investors and enhancing the liquidity of the country’s stock market. The shift will also make it easier for Israeli securities to be included in global indices, potentially boosting Israel’s presence in international financial markets.
"The move to change the trading days has received broad support from both local and international market players," the Ministry of Finance said in a statement. "This will allow global investors to access the Israeli capital market more easily, invest in our attractive local market without unnecessary and harmful barriers, and strengthen the Israeli economy in the long term," Smotrich said.
The Logistics of Change
The proposed change was first floated by the Stock Exchange in May 2024 in consultation with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Bank of Israel. Two alternatives were initially considered: a shift to Sunday-Friday trading or to a Monday-Friday schedule. Ultimately, the decision was made to adopt the Monday-Friday schedule, which mirrors the trading structure used by most global markets, where Friday is a full trading day. However, in Israel, Friday trading will end earlier, at 2:00 p.m., to accommodate Shabbat observance.
In addition to receiving the backing of key financial institutions, the change has been supported by the Stock Exchange’s employee committee, ensuring a smooth transition for workers and market stakeholders.
Impact on the Israeli Market
The shift is expected to yield several key benefits, including:
- Improved global accessibility: International investors will find it easier to access Israeli markets, removing barriers that currently exist due to the difference in trading days.
- Enhanced liquidity: The shift is expected to increase trading volume and improve liquidity as Israel’s market syncs with the global trading cycle.
- Inclusion in world indices: The change could improve the chances of Israeli securities being added to leading global stock indices, further integrating the Israeli market with the global financial system.
The shift is also expected to result in a shorter trading week in Israel compared to most international markets, where Friday remains a full day of trading.
Support for the Change
The decision has garnered support from both local market participants and global investors, who see it as a significant step toward modernizing Israel's financial infrastructure. Smotrich stressed that this move would help strengthen the Israeli economy in the long run by improving the accessibility of the Israeli capital market.
"The change will allow investors to participate more easily in our markets, attract new investments, and increase Israel’s integration into the global economy," he said in the Ministry of Finance statement.
Timeline for Implementation
The transition is expected to take several years to implement fully, with early 2026 as the target date for the switch to take effect. During this period, the Stock Exchange, Securities and Exchange Commission, and other financial institutions will work on the logistics required to align with the new schedule.
As Israel moves to align its trading schedule with the global norm, it signals a broader effort to enhance its competitiveness on the world stage and modernize its financial systems for the future.
