Economy

Israeli provident funds recorded mixed returns in September, as general tracks slipped 0.1% while S&P 500 tracks gained 2% due to shekel depreciation against the dollar.

The Baran Group acquired a 75% controlling stake in Bar-El 27 for 35 million NIS, expanding its industrial manufacturing capabilities in infrastructure and security.

Internal police documents reveal that the Israel Police operates 170 laser speed guns, making them the most widespread enforcement tool on national roads.

Global markets opened a new trading month facing geopolitical and bond yield challenges. Tel Aviv shares saw mixed results as major defense and real estate stocks rallied.

Spanish low-cost carrier Volotea has filed for creditor protection in Barcelona due to soaring jet fuel prices amid Middle East conflict, joining a growing list of collapsing global airlines.

Yaron Gindi, president of the Tax Consultants Chamber, warns that crypto regulations and housing bureaucracy threaten the economy, calling for urgent reforms.

Hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin has donated $3 billion to Carnegie Mellon University, setting a record for the largest individual gift to higher education. Part of the funds will build a major tech campus in Miami.

Yochananoff supermarket chain expands iPhone 18 Pro Max sales to dozens of branches nationwide, pricing the 256GB device at 5,250 shekels amid fierce retail competition.

Global forex markets show moderate movements as investors await US jobs data. US Treasury yields hit multi-year highs while Fed's Neel Kashkari warns inflation remains too high.

Asian markets rose led by Japanese chip stocks following robust earnings from Micron, while Chinese and Hong Kong exchanges were closed for national holidays.

Micron reported a massive surge in Q4 net income to $37.7 billion and beat revenue expectations with $54.23 billion, driven by surging AI demand for memory chips.

The National Insurance Institute announced that unemployment benefits and income support will be paid on October 12 to eligible Israeli residents meeting specific criteria.

Morgan Stanley chief strategist Mike Wilson views a potential 5%-10% market correction as a healthy development that could remove excesses and stabilize equities.

Newpan celebrates 40 years in the Israeli appliance market, securing the major Samsung franchise in 2025 and navigating rising industry competition, parallel imports, and shifting retail dynamics.

Fintech firm Nayax defends its strategic investments and long-term growth trajectory after a stock correction, following the acquisition of U.S.-based IPS.

A scathing new audit report reveals severe governance failures, conflicts of interest, and gatekeeper weaknesses at Knat, Israel's state-owned agricultural insurance monopoly.

Wall Street shows resilience against surging US bond yields, but small-cap stocks face notable weakness as the Russell 2000 drops 8% from its August peak due to financing pressures.

Global economies brace for a super-El Niño event threatening food prices and supply chains. While a strong shekel previously shielded Israel, economists warn that price hikes will hit local consumers after the holidays.

Victory supermarket chain is offering the iPhone 18 Pro Max for 5,199 NIS in a pre-order deal limited to 1,000 units, intensifying retail competition for Apple devices.

Wall Street ended mixed as a volatile trading session was driven by major corporate news, including a USD 20 billion Boeing defense contract, a USD 1.2 billion AI deal for HPE, and a sharp rating downgrade for Moderna.

El Al's special rescue flight from Bangkok to Israel priced at 850 dollars one-way has sparked online criticism, though aviation experts cite high operational costs for empty outbound legs.

BMW plans to cut management roles and divisions by 20% and leverage artificial intelligence to reduce costs amid intensifying global automotive market pressures.

A creditor has seized control of American real estate firm Cohan Properties after its CEO misused millions in company funds. The takeover follows failed bond issues and regulatory scrutiny.

Aniv and Ashtrom Residences signed a 230 million NIS deal with Shikun & Binui Solel Boneh to build the 34-story Park Tower luxury project in Ramat Gan, slated for completion by January 2030.

Outgoing Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz is expected to take on a senior executive role at the newly merged Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery entertainment giant.

Cohan Properties faces a severe control crisis after its controlling shareholder pledged all shares for personal debt, prompting a takeover by Decama Finance. The company raised 412 million shekels in Tel Aviv.

Mizrahi Tefahot Bank strategist Yonie Fanning analyzes rising US inflation, PCE indices, fuel prices, and soaring AI-driven corporate investments amid tightening credit.

The Baba Sali Commemoration Association sued the Tax Authority and Rabbi Baruch Abuhatzeira to protect its assets from his personal tax debts following recent asset seizures.

Cellcom TV+ subscribers face a 9% price hike for the Sport 5 Premium package, rising from 52.44 NIS to 57 NIS per month starting October 14, 2026.

Julius Baer's daily analysis highlights diverging Asian markets: corporate reforms in Japan drive stock records toward a Nikkei target of 75,000, while China's housing measures disappoint investors.

Norway's $2.4 trillion wealth fund has been caught in a massive fraud and market manipulation scandal shaking the Istanbul stock exchange, affecting hundreds of thousands of investors.

Wall Street creditors, including Apollo and Oaktree, have sued billionaire Patrick Drahi over debt restructuring at Optimum Communications, escalating a major financial battle.

Cellcom becomes one of the first Israeli companies to advertise on ChatGPT, coinciding with record financial results that saw Q2 2026 net profit surge 44% to 92 million NIS.

Mattel announced that long-time CEO Ynon Kreiz will step down on October 2, with board member Roger Lynch taking over as chairman and CEO.

Best-selling author Robert Kiyosaki predicts a meteoric surge for silver, citing historical monetary shifts, industrial demand, and artificial price suppression.

Israeli fashion chain Bgud is launching a massive four-day sale, offering its entire summer collection and footwear for a flat price of 5 NIS per item.

The US housing market faces renewed pressure as 30-year mortgage rates rise to 7.03%, subduing sales volumes while home prices remain surprisingly resilient at a median of $429,100.

Idan Ofer's Kenon Holdings is investing $450 million for a 25% stake in US infrastructure firm Vicinity, valuing the company at an enterprise value of $2.92 billion.

U.S. consumer spending slows in August as the Fed's preferred inflation measure cools, while private sector jobs unexpectedly rise by 90,000 in September according to the ADP report.

Delhoom Motors has appointed industry veteran Avi Tzur as Chairman to support its rapid expansion in Israel's automotive market across private and commercial sectors.