Israeli shares close up; TA 35 Index advances 0.55%

## Tel Aviv Market Hits Record High Amid Global Sector Shifts and Strong Energy Prices

Financial markets continue to navigate a complex environment defined by long-term planning and tactical growth opportunities. Major investment banks, including Morgan Stanley, are focusing on outlining the key dynamics likely to govern equity performance deep into 2026. Simultaneously, specialized growth metrics are highlighting high-potential segments, exemplified by algorithmic analysis identifying promising electric vehicle infrastructure stocks. Beyond equity strategy, legislative developments remain critical, particularly regarding the next phase of U.S. housing legislation, all while investors digest the immediate impact of weekly "Street Calls."

This backdrop of nuanced global sentiment saw the Tel Aviv stock market register significant gains on Sunday, driven by robust sector strength. The benchmark TA 35 index climbed 0.55%, successfully setting a new all-time closing record. This upward momentum was largely fueled by strong showings across the Insurance, Communications, and Oil & Gas sectors.

### Leading Gainers and Market Milestones

The index’s rise was spearheaded by several high-performing issues, many of which achieved significant valuation milestones. Bezeq Israeli Telecommunication Corp Ltd (TASE:BEZQ) recorded a striking increase, soaring 5.10% (33.90 points) to close at 698.00, marking a new 5-year peak for the telecommunications giant. Defense contractor Elbit Systems Ltd (TASE:ESLT) also delivered a stellar performance, advancing 2.63% (4,600.00 points) to reach 179,300.00, achieving a historic all-time high valuation. Rounding out the top movers, Nova (TASE:NVMI) posted solid results, rising 4.50% (4,570.00 points) to finish the day at 106,100.00.

Conversely, the downward pressure on the index stemmed primarily from key financial and technology shares. NICE Ltd (TASE:NICE) experienced the sharpest decline, dropping 1.21% (430.00 points) to 35,100.00. Banking stocks also suffered setbacks, with Leumi (TASE:LUMI) losing 1.10% (80.00 points) to settle at 7,220.00, followed closely by Mizrahi Tefahot (TASE:MZTF), which dipped 1.05% (250.00 points) to 23,610.00.

Overall market breadth remained positive on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, reflecting broad-based optimism. Gainers comfortably outpaced decliners, with 249 advancing issues against 216 falling ones, while 83 securities remained flat.

### Commodities and Currency Movement

In the global commodities space, energy prices firmed across futures contracts. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Crude for February delivery climbed 0.93%, gaining $0.52 to settle at $56.52 per barrel. The international benchmark, Brent Crude, also advanced, rising 1.09% ($0.65) to trade at $60.47 per barrel. Meanwhile, February Gold Futures saw moderate growth, increasing 0.52% ($22.80) to reach $4,387.30 per troy ounce.

Concurrently, the Israeli Shekel displayed strength against major trading pairs. The USD/ILS exchange rate dropped 0.31%, trading at 3.20, and the EUR/ILS fell 0.41%, settling at 3.75. This local currency appreciation occurred despite the US Dollar Index Futures showing a slight uptick of 0.16%, closing the period at 98.25.