Economy

Norway's sovereign wealth fund may resume investments in major Western defense firms like Lockheed Martin and Boeing following independent committee recommendations, easing ethical rules amid U.S. pressure over prior divestments.

The hot dog is experiencing a massive revival in Israel, splitting into two distinct markets: ultra-cheap 5 NIS promotional snacks at Paz gas stations and gourmet creations by chef Moshik Roth.

American firm Proofpoint has agreed to acquire cybersecurity company Varonis for 6.3 billion dollars in cash, leading to its delisting from Nasdaq.

UBS is weighing strategic options including a headquarters relocation or potential merger if Switzerland enacts stringent new banking regulations stemming from the collapse of Credit Suisse.

Bazan Group faces a 2.5 million shekel class action lawsuit over high benzene emissions recorded in Haifa Bay during October 2026 maintenance work.

Meet Miki and Carmit Naimi, the driving force behind Israel's massive Mesubim business park project, who built a real estate empire through bold decisions and unwavering Zionism.

Fast-food giant KFC is replacing PepsiCo with Coca-Cola as its U.S. beverage supplier after 40 years, aiming to revitalize sales and attract customers back from competitors.

Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria is stepping down amid slowing growth and declining engagement, to be replaced by former Disney executive Peter Rice.

WeSure Global Tech's subsidiary, WeSure Finance, has accumulated a 100 million shekel credit and guarantee portfolio, expanding into non-bank business financing amid high market concentration.

A viral 4chan crypto prediction targeting $145,000 for Bitcoin in October 2026 faces heavy skepticism due to unverified origins, altered data, and mathematical flaws.

Climate change and severe drought in India have driven global sugar prices up by 15 percent, threatening food supplies, farmers' livelihoods, and the nation's ethanol energy goals.

Israeli real estate data shows affordable peripheral cities like Afula struggling to draw buyers, while central locations like Lod and Ramla offer surprisingly competitive apartment prices.

The US dollar hit a six-month high against the shekel, crossing 3.1 shekels amid rising Treasury yields and global inflation concerns. Meanwhile, oil prices climbed past $106 per barrel, posing potential cost-of-living pressures for Israeli consumers.

Video clippers turn long podcasts and shows into viral short videos for TikTok and YouTube. While top editors earn thousands, the role requires sifting through hours of content.

A comprehensive master plan in Israel takes an average of eight years to approve, hampering urban development and housing growth. The Planning Administration aims to cut this timeframe to three years.

The Israeli Ministry of Finance is reviewing tax benefits for plug-in hybrid vehicles amid surging corporate fleet sales, while major local auto importers expand into renewable energy projects.

A new study reveals that nearly half of Israel's urban renewal neighborhoods show under 10% implementation, highlighting a wide gap between planning and actual construction.

Israel's real estate market shows mixed trends with annual apartment prices down 1.8%, rising contractor sales, and political intervention stabilizing ILA leadership.

A leaked Volkswagen document reveals massive economic gaps between German and Chinese manufacturing, showing German hourly wages at €74 compared to €12 in Tianjin. The carmaker plans deep cuts and plant closures to survive.

Israeli cybersecurity firm Varonis is being acquired by American company Proofpoint for $6.3 billion in cash. Varonis shareholders will receive $49.75 per share, representing a 52% premium over pre-rumor trading prices.

Doral has entered the Tel Aviv 35 Index following rapid expansion, despite a 17.2% stock drop in six months. The renewable energy firm continues global projects, data center ventures, and expects revenues to jump at least 43% by 2027.

Israel's housing prices fell by 0.6% in July-August, bringing an annual decline of 1.8%, while rental prices climbed by 0.4% in September amid record inventory.

Keshet Teamim cuts professional ties with star pastry chef Dudu Otmezgin amid bitter legal disputes, while he retains his 30% stake in the brand.

Israir CEO Uri Sirkis remains optimistic despite a 20% stock drop over the past year, pointing to strategic growth engines, fleet expansion, and its lucrative Cyprus maintenance center.

El Al Israel Airlines will enter the Tel Aviv 35 Index for the first time after a stock surge driven by a security incident involving a foreign carrier. Despite soaring revenues and record profits, the airline faces regulatory pressure over high wartime ticket prices.

British low-cost airline easyJet is set to be acquired by investment firm Apollo for 5.7 billion pounds in a deal taking the carrier private.

IsrAir CEO Uri Sirkis says the airline's growth potential outpaces El Al. Despite fuel cost pressures, IsrAir targets 3 million passengers next year through fleet expansion, long-haul routes, and its Larnaca maintenance center.

Two Beersheba residents died and a third was seriously injured in a rare nitrogen trifluoride explosion at Intel's Kiryat Gat plant, prompting a full technical investigation.

A. Arbaah Katsavim Basarim Ltd. recalled its Jerusalem Kishke due to severe labeling flaws and incorrect expiration dates following a Health Ministry inspection.

Israel Ports Company plans to submit a strategic proposal for inland ports to secure Israel's role in the India-Middle East-Europe trade corridor amid Red Sea shipping threats.

Hadassah Medical Center inaugurated its first international facility in Limassol, Cyprus, and announced plans for a new hospital in Nicosia, marking a historic healthcare milestone for Israel.

The median salary in Israel's high-tech sector surged by about 30% over four years, reflecting strong demand for tech talent despite economic shifts.

South Korea's KOSPI index plunged 8.2% amid US inflation fears and a tech sell-off, triggering a circuit breaker. Concurrently, the president shared data showing a decline in suicides, urging citizens to seek help.

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange closed lower on Thursday as OPKO Health surged 25.64% following a major asset sale to Labcorp. Investors await the September CPI data and November index updates.

Israel's Space fitness chain is phasing out its 99 NIS monthly membership, raising prices by 50% to 149 NIS as soaring operational costs mark the end of ultra-cheap gyms.

The European Banking Authority has classified Circle's USDC as a significant electronic money token under MiCA rules, making it the first EU stablecoin with this status. While granting regulatory legitimacy, the decision imposes strict reserve requirements.

The Israeli Supreme Court has upheld a prison sentence for bankrupt businessman Rafael Rubinț, who faces imprisonment over persistent failures to comply with court payment orders and financial disclosure requirements.

Opko Health is selling its BioReference labs division to LabCorp for $722 million in cash plus $150 million in earn-outs, shifting its focus entirely to drug development.

BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes predicts Ethereum could hit $100,000 to $200,000 amid potential AI market shocks, while recent chip stock drops spark massive crypto liquidations.