Finance

Iraq struggles to pay public salaries as Strait of Hormuz crisis deepens

Iraq’s oil exports plunged from 100 million barrels in February to around 32 million in May and June, according to figures shown to The National by the country’s Oil Ministry.

This frame grab taken from AFPTV video footage on July 12, 2026 shows cargo ships anchoring near the Strait of Hormuz; illustrative
Long-term success is built through patience, disciplined decisions, and investments that create lasting value.

Michael J Sacks on the connection between business growth and community investment

Finance Committee chair MK Hanoch Milwidsky leads a Finance committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, August 4, 2026.

Knesset panel approves budget transfer of NIS 270 million to haredi education during recess

Gadi Mazor, BioCatch CEO

Visa buys Israel's BioCatch for $2.4b


AI payroll blunder: 85% of payroll accountants upload payslips to public AI systems

A new survey found that while AI is rapidly transforming payroll operations, many payroll accountants are exposing highly sensitive salary data by uploading payslips to unsecured AI platforms.

Payslip

Lack of experience, mistakes cost private home builders billions in unnecessary expenses

Around 20% of Israelis building private homes are estimated to lose billions of shekels due to costly mistakes, as a new podcast seeks to provide guidance throughout the construction process.

Receiving the keys to a new home.

Bitcoin tops $66K on regulatory optimism and ETF inflows

Bitcoin climbs to a one-month high as investors weigh progress on US crypto regulation, renewed ETF inflows and the outlook for interest rates.

A Bitcoin coin placed in front of a financial market chart showing upward movement, symbolizing renewed investor interest and rising cryptocurrency prices.

Israel's economy holds steady as tech sector drives growth through 2026

Despite security challenges and revised growth forecasts, Israel’s economy continues to show resilience, supported by a strong technology sector, foreign investment, and market stability.

A business and technology-themed image representing Israel’s economic resilience, with modern infrastructure, digital innovation, and global investment themes.

Your Investments: Lessons from Tisha B'Av on reflecting for a better future

Every setback contains the potential for growth if we are willing to learn from it. Sometimes you need to destroy in order to build.

Circa 700 BC, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Esekiel, three prophets of the Old Testament.

Your Taxes: Could taxes unlock Israel's constitutional future?

If President Herzog refrained from signing new tax and spending legislation until constitutional progress occurs, maybe this would encourage all concerned to sign up to a constitution.

New Israeli Shekel bills are seen in front of an upwards-trending graph (illustration)

NIS 260 million on the way to hundreds of thousands of employees

The Tax Authority is transferring the first installment of the work grant for 2025. the grant includes supplements for parents of toddlers and advance payments for working women over the age of 60.

Banknotes in an ATM

CBS: Apartment prices in sharp decline, rent skyrockets

The CPI for June remained unchanged, completing a moderate annual increase of 1.6%. Concurrently, overall home prices recorded a sharp monthly decline of a full percent and an annual drop of 2%.

Apartment prices continue to fall.

Banks are storming your children: Eight-year-olds do not need a credit card

Financial firms are rushing to offer digital wallets and prepaid cards to young children under the guise of "Financial education." However, at that age, money remains an abstract concept.

Children are capable of delaying gratification, but usually for a clear, near and tangible goal.

Approval granted for the transfer of NIS 1.1 billion for the rehabilitation of southern communities

A week after the explosion in the Finance Committee, the budget was approved unanimously. Hanoch Milwidsky explained the delay as an attempt to obtain reports and assist businesses in the North.

Hanoch Milwidsky