Economy

The Competition Authority has requested correspondence from bank chairmen regarding their intention to replace Association of Banks CEO Eitan Madmon, as reported by Globes last week.

An unprecedented wave of investors is flooding the local capital market, and executives of major companies are preparing for a special initiative to provide the public with direct access to the inner workings of future opportunities.

The stalled legislation regarding clearing payments between Israeli and Palestinian banks is not an economic issue, but a strategic security one. By blocking this decision, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is shifting the risks of terror financing onto Israel's private banking sector.

Investor Michael Burry has announced on his Substack blog that he is increasing short positions against Nvidia and the SOXX ETF. Burry has repeatedly warned about inflated valuations in the semiconductor and AI sectors.

Avi Shushan's podcast episode with the Prime Minister recorded over 4 million social media impressions, providing massive exposure for the sponsor, the real estate company Donitz Elad. Studio owner Ido Minkovsky notes that while Shushan does not pay for the studio, the project generates significant indirect revenue for him.

A Chinese company has begun mass production of essential chip-making technology. The fear: this is just the first step toward an independent chip supply chain. Nvidia's default insurance costs surged following reports that the company may take on massive financial obligations.

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange closed with declines in the TA-35 and TA-125 indices. Tower shares led the losses, while NICE, Amram, and Partner stocks posted gains.

Out of six candidates, only the insurance company Ayalon submitted a bid to operate the long-term care insurance for Clalit Health Services. This is a surprising outcome for a tender covering approximately 2.7 million insured individuals.

The Israel Tax Authority is launching a major reform to grant non-profit organizations greater financial flexibility, stability, and modern management tools, acknowledging their central role in civil society.

The weekly review by Psagot Investment House highlights the divergence between global central banks and the expected surge in Israel's defense spending, which poses risks for investors.

Elbit's US subsidiary has signed a contract worth up to $300 million to supply helmet systems for US fighter jets. This deal joins a series of major contracts secured in recent weeks, strengthening the company's backlog and impacting the returns of Israeli savings funds.

Rapid price increases and high valuation multiples can signal market bubbles, though identifying them remains a challenge. In an era of technological uncertainty, the risk of such bubbles bursting persists. Globes' "Monitor" column explains the core concepts.

From the perspective of Israeli investors, the market is often limited to the USA and Israel. However, experts suggest considering MSCI global indices to diversify risks and access the 40% of the global economy that many retail investors ignore.

Huge investments of trillions of dollars in artificial intelligence infrastructure in the USA are expected to boost inflationary pressures in the coming years. While companies fight for a breakthrough, investors are already identifying the real opportunity in the market.

PEAX Group, controlled by the FIMI fund, has signed a defense order worth 115 million shekels—nearly half of its market value. However, this specific investment has been one of the few loss-making ones for the successful fund.

A new acquisition in the public transportation sector unites two operators that have faced sharp criticism and heavy fines from the Ministry of Transport in recent years due to service quality. The details of the deal have not yet been revealed.

The infrastructure company Rimon is acquiring control of Inter Industries at a value of about 169 million shekels, a premium of about 17% over the market price. But the stock is jumping even more - what does this mean for investors and what is behind the move?

Not every debt leads to bankruptcy. Learn whether it is possible to save a business in distress and how the debt settlement process works.

Prime Energy has signed a binding framework agreement with Delek Israel to build energy storage facilities and data centers at 60 gas stations across the country. How much does the company plan to invest, what profits are expected, and is this just the beginning?

The bank has initiated a private securitization deal backed by its mortgage portfolio, which received a high international rating. These strategic moves have brought the bank's managed mortgage portfolio to approximately 18 billion shekels.

The investment bank Value Base has filed an 11 million shekel lawsuit against real estate firm Aya New York, alleging failure to pay agreed-upon offering commissions. The company denies the claims and is seeking compensation for damages.

The trading week in Tel Aviv opens with an 'English opening' expectation due to chip stock declines on Wall Street. Global markets are reacting to Iran's signals of de-escalation, leading to a 5% drop in oil prices.

Ofer Yanai, controlling shareholder of Nofar Energy, is set to increase the company's stake in Ellomay Capital from 46% to 71%. The deal is valued at approximately 250 million shekels.

Following reports at the end of the week, the controlling shareholder continues to increase its stake, purchasing another 190,000 shares for 7 million shekels. Total investment since the end of the week has reached 15 million shekels.

Dual-listed stocks return with a sharp negative gap, led by Tower and Camtek. This week: Fed interest rate decision, Microsoft, Meta and Apple reports, as well as Teva and Check Point. What do you need to know?

In a new weekly review, the Meitav investment house has raised its 12-month inflation forecast to 2.1% due to rising fuel prices. Experts also warn of financial risks stemming from a surge in business credit.

The Swiss bank estimates that Europe will continue to face inflation and energy pressures, but identifies potential in stocks and bonds, and estimates that Trump's tariffs will not lead to another sharp spike in the cost of living.

The European Central Bank has kept interest rates at 2.25% despite rising energy prices, citing concerns over a potential deep recession in the eurozone. The decision carries significant implications for global and Israeli capital markets.

Recipients of long-term benefits will receive their funds on Tuesday, including disability, long-term care, and survivor benefits. Simultaneously, the National Insurance Institute has announced a 100% waiver on interest and linkage for employers settling debts.

Trading in Tel Aviv opened with mixed results as dual-listed chip stocks declined due to arbitrage gaps, while the financial and real estate sectors traded higher amid global market optimism.

At the start of the week, amid expectations for the Fed's interest rate decision, the dollar is retreating in both global and local markets. The dollar is down 0.2% against the shekel, trading below 3.05.

Oil prices fell sharply after Iran announced a suspension of attacks, provided the US maintains a cessation of hostilities. Meanwhile, investors are bracing for the Fed's interest rate decision and a busy week of earnings reports.

Due to the rising valuation and revenue requirements for issuers on Wall Street, Jefferies recommends that Israeli tech companies begin their public life in Tel Aviv, and later register overseas.

Local refining companies have faced a challenging year marked by operational disruptions and the impacts of war. Despite these hurdles, a sharp surge in refining margins has led to a doubling of the value of Bazan and BAZA shares year-to-date, providing significant returns for shareholders.

The collaboration between Israeli insurance companies and global asset management giants like BlackRock, Fidelity, and State Street has faced headwinds. Assets in these savings policies have dropped from a peak of 4 billion shekels to less than 1.2 billion.

The expected rise in fuel prices, labor shortages, and global economic pressures are shifting forecasts. Leader Capital Markets explains why an interest rate cut in Israel remains unlikely in the near term.

Online fashion giant Shein has published a draft prospectus for its Hong Kong IPO. Financial results reveal a decline in profitability following the US cancellation of customs duty exemptions on low-value shipments.

Following reports from Google and Tesla that dampened sentiment due to massive AI capital expenditures, the market now faces the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision and earnings from Microsoft, Meta, and Apple, alongside two major Israeli firms.

The shekel's exchange rate reflects Israel's national resilience, combining geopolitics, security, and technological power. However, rapid currency appreciation poses strategic risks to export profitability and the innovation base.

Scribe Therapeutics stock recorded a sharp jump of nearly 49% on its first day of trading following a successful IPO pricing. Global pharmaceutical giants Sanofi and Eli Lilly have allocated significant capital to invest in the company.