Economy

Haifa Port Owners and State Near Billion-Shekel Financial Deal Ahead of Elections
The state and Haifa Port owners Adani-Gadot are nearing a billion-shekel deal to escrow development funds in exchange for easing restrictions on cash withdrawals.

Median Time to Sell an Apartment in Israel Hits Record 103 Days Amid Slowdown
Madlan data reveals that the median time to sell an apartment in Israel has reached a record 103 days, with sellers increasingly forced to offer discounts and navigate strict tax deadlines.

Tel Aviv Penthouse in Sde Dov Sells for 43 Million Shekels
An 8-room penthouse on the 33rd floor of the Utopia project in Tel Aviv's Sde Dov neighborhood was sold for 43 million shekels, highlighting robust demand in the ultra-luxury real estate segment.

How a 34-Year-Old Investor Built a Four-Property Real Estate Portfolio
Matan Ahabia, 34, shares how he built a four-property real estate portfolio in Dimona, Ukraine, and Eilat over six years using creative leverage and minimal starting capital.

Israeli Courts Rule on Beachfront Eviction, Premarital Property, and Fines
Recent Israeli court rulings address property and real estate disputes, including a Tel Aviv eviction order near Metzitzim Beach, a Jerusalem family court ruling on premarital property, and a Bat Yam contempt of court fine.

Are You Saving Enough? The Ultimate Israeli Retirement Guide for Every Age
An in-depth analysis of Israeli retirement savings explores target accumulation benchmarks by age, the power of compound interest, and the significant impact of management fees on future pensions.

Capital Market Frenzy: Why Young Investors Are Flocking to Stocks
Financial planner Harel Kolden analyzes the capital market frenzy drawing young investors to stocks, warning against high volatility and speculative risks.

Tycoon Alfred Akirov Eyes Alrov Delisting and Clal Control at 85
At 85, Israeli tycoon Alfred Akirov is considering taking Alrov private due to low stock liquidity, a move that could also help him bypass regulations to gain control of Clal Insurance.

Hungary Maps Out Ambitious Path to Euro Adoption by 2032
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has unveiled an ambitious timetable to adopt the euro by 2032, aiming to anchor fiscal discipline and curb populism despite steep budget deficits and compliance hurdles.

Wall Street Airline Stocks Slide as Jet Fuel Prices Surge Ahead of Earnings
Wall Street airline stocks slide amid surging jet fuel prices and looming earnings. While US ticket prices jump 22.4%, Israeli consumers see contrasting flight price drops.

Turkey Boosts Energy Output as Global Markets Face Currency and Oil Pressures
Turkey expands oil production toward one million barrels daily as global markets react to a strong US dollar, rising energy prices, and currency fluctuations.

Zara Downsizes Physical Stores in Israel and Ends Free Online Shipping
Zara Israel scales back its physical stores, closing branches in Beersheba and Ayalon, while ending free online shipping and introducing new delivery and return fees.

Acre's Historic Market Faces Severe Economic Crisis
Acre's historic Old City market is facing a severe economic crisis due to cumulative blows from the pandemic, past unrest, and the ongoing war, prompting merchants to demand urgent municipal assistance.

Israel Housing Market Shifts: Average Buyer Discounts Surge to 4.8% in 2026
Madlan data reveals 2026 is a definitive buyer's market in Israel, with average transaction discounts surging to 4.8% as only 8.4% of homes sell at asking price.

Cryptocurrency Markets Face Downturn as Viral Bitcoin Predictions Spark Doubt
Cryptocurrency markets showed a negative trend as Bitcoin traded at $81,246. Meanwhile, viral social media posts predicting Bitcoin at $145,000 face skepticism due to lack of verification.

Elon Musk Tops Global Billionaire Rankings with $924.8 Billion Net Worth
Elon Musk leads the global billionaire ranking with $924.8 billion, followed by Jeff Bezos, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, and Mark Zuckerberg amid surging tech and AI markets.

Eyal Ofer Leads Israel's Billionaires List With $35.3 Billion Fortune
Israel's wealthiest list reveals top billionaires led by Eyal Ofer with $35.3 billion, Miriam Adelson, Idan Ofer, the Bukhman brothers, and the Federman family.

Pelephone Glitch Inflates iPhone Duo Pre-Sale Prices in Israel
Pelephone's pre-sale launch of the iPhone Duo in Israel faced a two-hour pricing glitch on Friday, as consumers also express concern over limited stock and delivery delays.

Jakarta Stocks Crash 11.6% After MSCI Threatens Emerging Market Status
The Jakarta Stock Exchange plunged 11.6% after MSCI threatened to strip Indonesia of its emerging market status, risking billions in capital outflows.

Monday.com Faces Management Departures Amid AI Restructuring and Revenue Growth
Senior management departures hit Israeli software firm Monday.com amid an AI-focused restructuring and 20% workforce reduction, despite a 22% revenue rise in Q2 2026.

SoftBank Considers $18 Billion Acquisition of Security Giant Allied Universal
SoftBank is reportedly considering an $18 billion acquisition of US security giant Allied Universal. The potential deal aims to bolster Masayoshi Son's AI and robotics strategy.

US Fiscal 2026 Deficit Hits $1.992 Trillion Amid Rising Debt Costs
The U.S. ended fiscal year 2026 with a $1.992 trillion budget deficit, up 12% from the prior year, driven by soaring debt interest and entitlement spending.

Oil Prices Surge to $110 per Barrel Amid Middle East and Ukraine Escalations
Oil prices surged as Brent reached $110 per barrel amid escalating Middle East conflicts, Strait of Hormuz tanker attacks, Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia, and collapsing energy truces between Russia and Ukraine.

Jerusalem Apartment Sells for 3.1 Million Shekels Amid Renewal Plans
An old 3-room apartment in Jerusalem's Katamon neighborhood was sold for 3.1 million shekels, driven by strong investor interest in a planned pinui-binui urban renewal project.
Historic Nachshon Gas Station Sold for 31.5 Million NIS in Major Real Estate Deal
Delek Properties and Delek Israel acquired the historic Nachshon Junction gas station for 31.5 million NIS. The buyers plan to develop a commercial and dining complex.

Norway's Wealth Fund Weighs Re-Engaging Defense Giants Amid U.S. Pressure
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.

From Gas Stations to Gourmet: The Surprising Economic Revival of the Hot Dog in Israel
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.

Proofpoint to Acquire Cybersecurity Firm Varonis in 6.3 Billion Dollar Deal
American firm Proofpoint has agreed to acquire cybersecurity company Varonis for 6.3 billion dollars in cash, leading to its delisting from Nasdaq.

UBS Weighs Relocation and Merger Scenarios Amid Strict Swiss Banking Rules
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 2.5 Million Shekel Class Action Over Haifa Benzene
Bazan Group faces a 2.5 million shekel class action lawsuit over high benzene emissions recorded in Haifa Bay during October 2026 maintenance work.

From Jerusalem Shop to Billion-Shekel Real Estate Empire: The Naimi Story
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.

KFC Swaps Pepsi for Coca-Cola in Major U.S. Beverage Supplier Shakeup
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 Content Chief Bela Bajaria Steps Down Amid Growth Slump
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 Finance Expands Non-Bank Credit Portfolio to 100 Million Shekels
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.

Viral 2018 Bitcoin Prediction Prompts Skepticism Over Data and Origin
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.

Global Sugar Crisis Deepens as Severe Drought and Heatwave Strike India
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: Peripheral Prices Lag While Central Deals Emerge
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.

US Dollar Hits Six-Month High Against Shekel Amid Global Market Volatility
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.

Inside the Booming Industry of Social Media Video Clippers
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.

Israel's Master Plan Approval Process Averages Eight Years Amid Reform Calls
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.