Economy

The energy company Shell is leaving the Aphrodite gas reservoir and selling its holdings to the MOL Group in a deal that reflects a valuation of over two billion dollars for the reservoir. All gas produced is intended for export to Egypt.

The digital currency market is experiencing significant volatility, with leading assets split between gains and losses over the past 24 hours. BNB has emerged as a top performer, currently trading at $591.85.

This week's real estate highlights include a new ranking of urban renewal leaders, government initiatives for mortgage subsidies, and major corporate moves. From land distribution for reservists to luxury market insights, here is the latest industry news.

A bus company prepares to acquire a competitor, US interest rates remain unchanged, and Teva is on track for the S&P 500 — these are the top news stories of the week on Ice.

Satellite company Hughes Network Systems, an EchoStar subsidiary, is preparing to file for bankruptcy. The move follows a massive $1.5 billion debt repayment deadline due on August 1.

July in global stock markets was characterized by sharp declines led by technology stocks, particularly the chip sector, which plummeted by a double-digit rate. Concerns over an AI bubble were compounded by Middle East escalation and rising oil prices.

Purchasing an apartment in the center of Israel is challenging, but moving outside the Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan-Givatayim circle reveals more affordable options. Recent deals in Lod and Ramle show apartments with protected rooms (MAMAD) selling for under 1.9 million shekels.

Real estate developer Avisror has completed its IPO at a valuation of 2 billion shekels, a 23% reduction from initial expectations. The company raised 530 million shekels in the process.

The Bank of Israel has lowered the interest rate to 3.5%, with the average non-indexed mortgage rate falling to 4.74%. However, the feasibility of refinancing depends heavily on when the original agreement was signed, as prepayment penalties often offset potential gains. The Bizportal calculator helps borrowers assess their options based on basic loan data.

Cryptocurrency continues to deepen its hold on the world of sports. In recent years, many companies in the field have signed a series of sponsorship agreements with leagues, teams, and international tournaments, and now a new agreement with the crypto company - Ripple | All the details

Trading in the local foreign exchange market is taking place with slight movements against the backdrop of political developments in the Gaza Strip. Investors are monitoring the disarmament plan for Hamas announced by US President Donald Trump.

Equity and general investment tracks ended the month with negative returns of 0.9% and 0.5% due to market volatility. Despite declines in the US, the S&P 500 track recorded a positive return of 2.4% thanks to the strengthening of the shekel.

Tel Aviv trading is set to open amid falling oil prices and a Saudi maritime security initiative. Asian markets are rising, led by the KOSPI and chip stocks. Wall Street saw a 17% surge in Microsoft and a chip rally. Tech giants reported: Amazon jumped 8%, while Apple fell in after-hours trading. The Bank of Japan kept interest rates unchanged. Ed Yardeni: "The Dow theory remains bullish." Globes...

The last trading day of the week opens against the backdrop of a sharp recovery on Wall Street, which proved once again how much the market depends on the reports of the giants and how quickly sentiment can turn.

Major companies like Palo Alto Networks and Nvidia continue to hire extensively in Israel despite industry-wide layoffs. The AI revolution is reshaping candidate requirements, emphasizing deep engineering knowledge and proficiency in AI tools.

Most Asian stock exchanges are recording gains following the positive trend on Wall Street. SK Hynix shares are up 25% and Samsung is up 20% following strong reports from major tech companies.

Transitioning to retirement requires a shift from an accumulation paradigm to a withdrawal one. There are two primary mechanisms: the lifetime pension annuity and the 'annona' (regular withdrawal). Experts explain the differences in taxation, flexibility, and risk, helping retirees balance guaranteed income with control over their capital.

Rehabilitating Israel's North requires more than just infrastructure repairs; it demands investment in human capital. The 'Zafon Tech' project offers training in high-demand fields to strengthen the region.

The Israeli airline El Al is undergoing a major strategic transformation to strengthen its brand and improve customer experience. Nadav Hanin, VP of Marketing and Digital, has been named Marketer of the Month.

Eli Finish has been chosen to lead the campaign for the Pershtovski company. In the advertisement, the actor promotes the company's large apartment auction, which allows investors to submit purchase offers starting from an attractive minimum price in projects across Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Haifa, and Ashdod.

The Dutch company's stock lost almost 11% in two days amid fears of a new Chinese competitor. Bank of America is convinced the market overreacted, maintaining a "buy" recommendation and pointing to a target that suggests a potential jump of more than 70%.

The diamond industry in Israel is at an unprecedented low, Tiv Taam begins a move to cancel all checkouts, Apple ignores AI noise, the wave of layoffs still ahead in local high-tech, and the dive of the shoe brand To Go | The Economic Summit – the most viewed articles of the week

The Avisror family has purchased 13 apartments in their ASHIRA project in Sde Dov. Eli Avisror invested 19 million shekels, while other family members secured favorable financing terms with the balance due upon delivery.

Donald Trump's media company stock recorded a 5.5% increase on Thursday to $10.39, completing a 48% jump since its June low. The rise follows the announcement of a new data service for Wall Street financial firms, expected to diversify the company's limited revenue.

The company exceeded forecasts for both profit and revenue. iPhone revenue totaled $54.25 billion, surpassing expectations. iPad and services revenue were slightly below forecasts. This marks Tim Cook's final report as Apple CEO.

Amazon published its financial results for the second quarter of 2026, beating analyst expectations for revenue and earnings. Following the report, the company's stock rose by 8% in after-hours trading.

The insurance and finance company is buying back 5% of its pension and provident fund operations from the Allied Group for 249 million shekels, reflecting a valuation of about 5 billion shekels for the activity. Four years ago, Yitzhak Suary's Allied acquired the stake for 129 million shekels, and it will continue to hold 5% of the activity.

Julius Baer economists reviewed the Fed's decision to hold rates at 3.5%-3.75%. Despite market pricing, experts argue there is potential for further declines in US Treasury yields.

The HM Motors group, importer of KOVE motorcycles in Israel, has published an updated price list that will lead to significant price reductions in the rally and adventure categories, with some models dropping by thousands of shekels and offering upgraded value to riders.

Danya and Gindi Holdings have signed an agreement to build 635 housing units across 8 towers in Kiryat HaSharon, along with commercial spaces and underground parking. Construction is expected to begin within the year.

Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovich is considering raising the tax on employee options from 25% to 30%. Critics warn that this move could drive away talent and harm the high-tech sector.

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange closed Thursday with gains in the main indices. The TA-35 index rose by 1.22% to 4,095.39 points, while the TA-125 index climbed 0.92% to 4,021.68 points.

Mark Cuban and Michael Burry, two prominent investors, issued nearly identical warnings hours apart: the entire AI bubble relies on a single company. If it falters, the impact will reach investment and pension portfolios. Here is what triggered their concerns.

Bank Hapoalim ranks first in the Globes and Geocartography list for the third consecutive time, with recall and likeability rates significantly exceeding the semi-annual averages.

US economic growth reached 1.5% in the second quarter, missing analyst expectations. Meanwhile, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index fell by 0.1% in June, marking the first decline since 2020.

The yen's surge has reignited assessments that authorities in Japan entered the foreign exchange market to curb the currency's weakening. The Bank of Japan is expected to publish its interest rate decision tomorrow, with expectations of no change.

The Israel Bidur group is undergoing rapid leadership changes following its acquisition by Assaf Rappaport and a group of investors. Within 24 hours, two senior executives have left the company: following CEO Idan Elrom, COO Bar Grinstein has also stepped down.

A study by Globes and the Israeli Citizens' Empowerment Center reveals that excessive formalization and a cumbersome appeals mechanism in the civil service are blocking the recruitment of qualified professionals. In 2024, there was one appeal for every 4.2 tenders.

Summer 2026 brings new challenges for tenants, from rising prices to security concerns and urban renewal projects. Adv. Idan Ben-Yaakov explains the essential rights every tenant should know.

While in June savers fled from stocks in Israel in panic, July tells a different story: independent retail returned to buying, mainly in the local market, but with a hand on the trigger. At the same time, one figure illustrates how much money is still waiting on the sidelines. So is this the start of a return to the market, or only a cautious pause?