Israel Stock Market Rises as TA 35 Gains 0.75% – Energy & Insurance Stocks Lead

Tel Aviv, Israel – The Israeli stock market ended the trading session on a positive note on Sunday, with the TA 35 indexrising 0.75%. Strong performances in the insurance, financial, and communication sectors helped drive the gains, signaling investor confidence in these industries. The market's momentum reflects global economic trends, sector-specific developments, and investor responses to geopolitical and financial news.

OPC Energy, Harel, and NICE Lead Market Gains

Among the top performers of the day, OPC Energy Ltd (TASE: OPCE) recorded the highest increase, climbing 4.16%to 3,584.00. The company’s stock hit a 52-week high, fueled by strong energy sector demand, increasing electricity prices, and the growing shift toward renewable energy investments. Investors see OPC Energy as a key player in Israel's evolving power industry, contributing to its positive stock movement.

Harel Insurance (TASE: HARL) also showed impressive growth, surging 3.79% to 7,014.00, reaching an all-time high. The company benefited from rising demand for insurance products, particularly in health and life insurance, as well as growing asset management services. Increased public awareness of financial security and a stable regulatory environment have strengthened Harel’s position in the market.

NICE Ltd (TASE: NICE) gained 3.52%, closing at 53,000.00. The company, known for its software and AI-driven customer experience solutions, has seen an increase in demand from international businesses seeking advanced analytics tools. With the rapid adoption of cloud computing and AI technology, NICE is well-positioned to capitalize on the digital transformation in global enterprises.

Nova, Teva, and Azrieli Stocks Decline

While the market saw overall gains, a few major stocks ended the session lower. Nova (TASE: NVMI) experienced the largest decline, falling 3.16% to 79,280.00. The semiconductor equipment company has been impacted by fluctuations in the global chip market, supply chain disruptions, and investor caution over technology sector volatility.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (TASE: TEVA) saw a 1.71% drop to 5,937.00, reflecting ongoing legal battles, patent disputes, and pricing pressures in the generic drug market. Investors remain cautious due to Teva’s financial restructuring efforts and challenges in global healthcare regulations.

Azrieli Group Ltd (TASE: AZRG) declined 1.67% to 26,550.00. The real estate and commercial property giant has faced concerns over rising interest rates, which could impact property valuations and leasing demand. However, with Israel’s economy showing resilience, analysts believe the long-term outlook for commercial real estate remains stable.

Stock Market Movement Shows More Gaining Stocks

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange demonstrated strong upward momentum, with 324 companies closing higher, compared to 128 that saw losses and 86 remaining unchanged. This trend highlights investor confidence despite economic uncertainties.

The strong market breadth suggests that investors are optimistic about Israel’s financial markets, particularly in key growth sectors like energy, insurance, and technology. Additionally, global financial trends, including interest rate decisions by central banks and developments in major economies, continue to influence investor sentiment.

Oil, Gold, and Currency Market Updates

Commodity prices showed notable increases, reflecting ongoing market dynamics and geopolitical factors:

• Crude oil (May delivery) rose 0.95% to $66.91 per barrel, driven by production cuts from major oil-producing nations and strong global energy demand.

• Brent oil (May delivery) climbed 1.00% to $70.58 per barrel, reflecting supply chain concerns and market speculation on future energy policies.

• Gold futures (April contract) increased 0.33% to $3,001.10 per ounce, as investors turned to gold as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty.

In the foreign exchange market:

• USD/ILS declined 0.45% to 3.65, indicating a stronger shekel against the U.S. dollar, influenced by investor confidence in Israel’s economic outlook.

• EUR/ILS fell 0.21% to 3.97, reflecting broader currency movements in the European market.

• The US Dollar Index Futures dropped 0.13% to 103.36, signaling a weaker dollar due to speculation over potential interest rate adjustments by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Market Trends Point to Investor Confidence

The rise in the TA 35 index indicates that investors remain optimistic about Israel’s economic and financial markets. Factors such as increasing corporate earnings, strong industry performances, and a stable economic outlook have contributed to the upward trend.

However, challenges such as global economic shifts, central bank policies, and geopolitical developments could impact future market movements. Investors will continue to monitor economic indicators and corporate earnings reports to assess long-term market direction.

Despite potential risks, the stock market’s resilience and steady investment flows suggest that Israel’s financial markets remain an attractive option for investors seeking growth and stability.

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