Market Report, "Israel Business Forecast Report Q1 2015", published

Core Views

* Political risks remain elevated despite a Egypt-brokered truce between Israel and Islamist group Hamas on August 26, as highlighted by protracted violence since the ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also under increased pressure from within its governing coalition, and we cannot preclude the possibility of early elections. Moreover, risks of spill over effects from the civil war in neighbouring Syria remain high.

Major Forecast Changes

* We have recently revised our 2014 growth forecast to 1.6% from our previous projection of 2.4%, mainly a result of the seven-week conflict with Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip in July and August. Risks to stability will persist as long as a political solution to the Palestinian issue is elusive, and risks of radicalisation in the West Bank will remain high over the coming quarters. We forecast real GDP growth of 3.1% in 2015, from our previous forecast of 3.3%.

Full Report Details at
- http://www.fastmr.com/prod/924067_israel_business_forecast_report_q1_2015.aspx?afid=301

Key Risks To Outlook

* House prices in Israel have risen rapidly in recent years, raising concerns that a bubble has formed in the property market. However, macro prudential measures on the part of the government designed to bring down prices have seen a partial cooling of the market, and we do not expect a sharp decrease in prices at this stage.
* A sharper-than-expected downturn in the global economy would hit Israel's economy badly. Exports have already been hit by stagnant demand in Europe, and lower-than-expected growth in the eurozone would see the outlook for exports deteriorating even further.

The Israel Business Forecast Report helps businesses with market assessment, strategic planning and decision making to promote growth and profitability in Israel and is an essential tool for CEOs, Chairmen, Finance Directors/CFOs, Managing Directors, Marketing/Sales Directors with commercial interests in this emerging market.

An influential new analysis of Israel's economic, political and financial prospects through end-2018, just published by award-winning forecasters, Business Monitor International (BMI).

Key Uses

* Forecast the pace and stability of Israel's economic and industry growth through end-2018.
* Identify and evaluate adverse political and economic trends, to facilitate risk mitigation.
* Assess the critical shortcomings of the business environment that pose hidden barriers and costs to corporate profitability.
* Contextualise Israel's country risks against regional peers using BMI's country comparative Risk Rankings system.
* Evaluate external threats to doing business in Israel, including currency volatility, the commodity price boom and protectionist policies.

The Israel Business Forecast Report by Business Monitor International (BMI) includes four major sections:Economic Outlook,Political Outlook,Business Environment

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