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


Your Taxes: So you want to acquire an Israeli company?

Over the past year, Google acquired Wiz for $32b., Palo Alto Networks acquired CyberArk for around $25b, and there were many smaller deals.

 Illustration of  Israeli shekels, September 24, 2023

Blood diamonds, crypto: Hezbollah’s financial operations in Europe serve as major terror lifeline

DPI found that Hezbollah’s financial operations span the European continent, with particular focus on wealthier, larger nations like France and Germany.

Lebanese child holds up plastic toy during pro-Hezbollah rally

How Mojtaba Khamenei used tax loopholes to purchase luxury properties in Europe - report

An investigation found that a loan of some £36 million was granted to Khamenei in 2013 through a company registered in the Isle of Man tax haven.

Mojtaba Khamenei; the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei; is seen in Tehran; Iran; on December 14; 2016.

Trump says currency swap with UAE is under consideration

The UAE's ambassador to the US, Yousef Al Otaiba, said he appreciated Trump's recognition of the country as an important partner but maintained that the UAE's economy remained resilient.

 US President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office after signing an Executive Order April 18, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Your Investments: Can you attain financial freedom in Israel?

As Israelis gear up for Independence day, it’s a great time to look at your own financial situation and make sure that you are on the road to financial independence as well.

Israelis watch fireworks on Independence Day

S&P 500 closes at fresh record, recovering all losses since start of US-Iran war

The S&P settled at 7,022.95, up 0.8%, LSEG data showed, surpassing its previous closing high in January. It also hit a new intraday record of 7,026.24.

S&P 500 illustration.

Are Polymarket, Kalshi illegal gambling sites or legitimate financial trading platforms? - opinion

Are the activities carried out by Polymarket and Kalshi in fact illegal gambling, or do they constitute legitimate financial trading activity?

The logo of prediction market trading platform Polymarket is seen on a digital screen (illustrative)

Your Investments: Financial modesty

"When someone saves your life and gives you life, there’s gratitude, humility; there’s a time you’ve been so blessed you realize you’ve been given another chance at life..." - Pat Summerall

ANNOUNCER AND Dallas Cowboys great Pat Summerall on the sidelines during a Monday Night Football game in Irving, Texas, in 2005.

Your Taxes: The budget’s tax breaks

Olim already enjoy a 10-year Israeli tax holiday for foreign-source income and capital gains. Starting January 1, 2026, olim may also be exempt from Israeli tax on Israeli-source income.

 Thousands of additional shekels can be saved every year with tax exemption

Mekorot reports strong core growth in 2025, but regulatory changes drive heavy net loss

Mekorot, posted solid underlying performance in 2025, but sweeping regulatory changes by the Water Authority pushed the company to report a significant net loss

Eshkol Reservoir