Economics

Middle East economy to shrink 2.1% in 2026, Gulf economies by 4.3%, World Bank forecasts

Despite grim forecasts, the World Bank projects regional economies could rebound by 7.8% in 2027 if the conflict ends this year, though the Hormuz blockade and inflation remain major threats.

Now, when Israel looks out at the map, it has an alliance with two countries that face Iran directly across the Gulf
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem (3rd L) speaks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (3rd R) during a meeting at Diaoyutai state guesthouse in Beijing on June 18, 2019.

China-Syria trade rises by hundreds of millions of dollars as China launches industrial investments

Illustration of a gas station in Jerusalem. August 30, 2026.

Gas prices in Israel to reach all-time high at NIS 8.27 per liter amid worldwide price hikes

(Illustrative) A man casts his ballot at a voting station on the morning of the municipal elections, in Ashdod, February 27, 2024

Election economics: Israel’s government must not buy voters’ support - editorial


2026 market trends every MENA trader should watch

"The markets in 2026 will be influenced by a combination of macroeconomic forces, changes in monetary policies, and the continuation of geopolitical events."

Trump advisers pushing to find Iran off-ramp as oil prices, political backlash risk rise - report

Trump considers ending the US military campaign in Iran sooner due to rising oil prices and political pressure, despite military success.

US President Donald Trump takes a question as he speaks during a press conference at Trump National Doral Miami in Miami, Florida, March 9, 2026.

From loneliness to leadership community drives economic resilience - opinion

Sderot shows how investing in children and community turns resilience into long-term economic growth and social strength.

 AMIT Makif Sderot outdoor campus and play areas

Russia spending half its federal budget on military, war against Ukraine - report

In the last five years, Russia has doubled its military spending and now has the third-largest defense budget in the world. The Kremlin's spending related to Ukraine reached nearly $137.9 billion.

Russian service members attend a ceremony organized by the People's Front political movement to hand over new motocross bikes, quad bikes and unmanned aerial vehicles to Russia's army for use in the ongoing military conflict against Ukraine, in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, October 3, 2025.

Why Jerusalem’s last-place quality of life ranking doesn’t tell the full story - opinion

A new quality of life report puts Jerusalem last, yet cranes, jobs, housing, and transit projects point to a great future.

Jerusalem is in the midst of an unprecedented development boom.

Ending US military aid as a national opportunity

This can build security and economic independence, strengthen local industry, promote technological innovation, and empower Israel’s periphery, if government translates declarations into action.

Dr. Esther Luzzatto,  public activist, social impact leader, and businesswoman.

Iran is now an Indo-Pacific test case and Israel should pay attention- opinion

India’s Iran policy is anchored in corridors and connectivity, not in sympathy for Tehran

A supporter of the Iranian people bears the colors of their flag on her face at a rally for the nationwide protests against the Islamic Republic of Iran, in Madrid, Spain, last week.

CEOs cautious on revenue growth despite steady confidence in global economy - poll

Confidence in revenue growth has dropped to its lowest level in a decade. Only 30% of CEOs said they were confident their organizations would increase revenues in the coming year.

 US economy

Likud's Dan Illouz talks defying Netanyahu, haredi draft, and post-war Israel - interview

Dan Illouz discusses his path to the Knesset, his battles inside Likud, and how the October 7 massacre reshaped his sense of responsibility.

Beginning of his Knesset service: Illouz and MK Ze’ev Elkin attend a Jerusalem lobby meeting at the Knesset, May 2023.

Markets react to DOJ Probe Into Fed Chair Powell

U.S. Stock Market.