Money Matters - IsraTransfer Weekly Currency Round-Up Podcast

Daniel Engelsman

Established in 2008, IsraTransfer is Israel's most trusted currency exchange experts.Licensed with the Capital Market, Insurance and Savings Authority, we have been privileged to support thousands of clients move their funds to Israel.Whether clients are looking to purchase a property in Israel, make aliyah or simply require regular currency transfers, IsraTransfer provides a safe, secure and efficient way to send money to and from Israel at better rates than the bank.

  1. EPISODE 1

    Money Matters - IsraTransfer Currency Exchange Weekly Round-Up Podcast - 2025 Review

    𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 - 𝐈𝐬𝐫𝐚𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝-𝐔𝐩 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 2 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 1 Welcome to the latest edition of our Money Matters podcast — and our very first episode of 2026. In this episode, we’re joined by our Head of Trading, Daniel Engelsman, as we take a look back at the Israeli shekel’s performance over 2025, unpacking the key factors behind some of the notable movements we saw throughout the year.  This episode is especially timely, as at the time of recording on Monday afternoon the Bank of Israel unexpectedly cut interest rates from 4.25% to 4%, so we’ll be watching closely to see how this surprise decision feeds through to currency markets and impacts exchange rates in the weeks ahead. #MoneyMattersPodcast #ShekelReview #CurrencyMarkets  #IsraelEconomy Transcription: PRESENTER: Welcome to Money Matters, the weekly currency roundup podcast brought to you by ISRA Transfer. Whether you're a seasoned investor, an expat managing your finances, or just curious about the world of currency exchange, you're in the right place. Each week, ISRA Transfer's co-founder and head of trading, Daniel Engelsman, will inform us of the latest trends, insights, and market movements that could impact your money. From currency fluctuations to economic news, we're here to equip you with everything you need to navigate the ever-changing landscape of foreign exchange. So Daniel, in this special review of 2025, what are the key highlights for the shekel across the year?  DANIEL ENGELSMAN: Welcome back to the ISraTransfer podcast. My name is Daniel Engelsman. I'm one of the co-founders of IsraTransfer. Today, we're going to talk about the shekel's performance during 2025 and what we can possibly look forward to in 2026. Let's start with the US dollar in 2025. In fact, every currency during 2025 suffered against the shekel. The shekel strengthened throughout the year, and there's quite a few reasons for that, which we will cover. The dollar started 2025 at a rate of around 3.64. During the year, it reached a high of 3.7805, and the lowest during the year was 3.165. If you look at that range for the year, that's a 16.28% range for the year of 2025. That means the difference between converting money at the high and the low was a difference of 16.28%, which is huge, which just really puts a real emphasis on trying to time the conversion of your transfers and your trades. Sometimes you don't have a choice when you need to convert money, but 16.28% during the year is a very, very wide range. The pound against the shekel was very similar. We saw a high of 4.9629 and a low of 4.2753, which was again a range for the year of 13.85%. The euro was more of a strange one. We had a high of 4.27 and a low of 3.66, which was a range of 14.23%. The reason the euro was a bit different was because the difference between the beginning of 2025 and the end of 2025 was only 1% difference, so that's why it was so strange for the euro. Again, we have a very similar story with a Canadian dollar high of 2.69 and a low of 2.28, giving us a 15.1% range throughout the year. And the reason I haven't gone into detail for each of them is because each of them follow a very similar pattern. The main reason for the strengthening of the shekel throughout the year is mainly due to the end of the war. The end of the war might seem like an overstatement.

    7 min
  2. EPISODE 2

    Money Matters - IsraTransfer Currency Exchang Monthly Round-Up Podcast Series 2, Episode 2

    The Resilient Shekel: Understanding Its January Surge Amidst Rising Tensions Introduction:   In a month typically defined by uncertainty, January 2026 saw the Israeli shekel defy expectations and gain strength against major currencies. Daniel Engelsman’s insightful breakdown in the latest episode of Money Matters reveals the factors behind this surprising economic performance, even as geopolitical tensions loom large.  **The January Performance of the Shekel**   January proved to be a remarkable month for the Israeli shekel, starting at approximately 3.18 against the US dollar and closing at around 3.09, marking a significant 2.9% gain in just 30 days. The shekel also performed well against the Euro and the British Pound, showcasing its resilience amidst a backdrop of rising tensions and economic uncertainty. Interestingly, the Bank of Israel cut interest rates to 4% on January 5th, a move that typically weakens a currency. However, the shekel maintained its strength, leading many to question the underlying dynamics at play.   **Key Drivers of the Shekel's Strength**   Daniel identifies three primary reasons for the shekel’s impressive showing:   1. **Tech Renaissance**: High-tech exports now contribute nearly 20% to Israel's GDP, with significant investments flowing into defense technology and cybersecurity. This influx requires companies to purchase shekels, driving up demand.   2. **Stock Market Hedge**: Many Israeli pension funds are heavily invested in US markets. When indices like the S&P 500 rise, these funds often sell dollars to maintain balance, creating an automatic boost in shekel demand.   3. **Shift in Sentiment**: The Bank of Israel's projection of a 5.2% GDP growth for 2026 signals a resilient economy, prompting investors to reassess the risks associated with Israel. Instead of a war-torn economy, many see a tech-driven growth engine that has weathered recent challenges.   **Cautious Optimism Amid Geopolitical Tensions**   While the shekel's performance in January was commendable, Engelsman cautions that this strength is fragile. The current market sentiment operates under a ceasefire assumption regarding Iran. However, experts warn that escalating tensions could lead to swift market reactions. Should conflict arise, Engelsman outlines three potential impacts:   - A flight to safety, resulting in a steep decline in the shekel's value as investors flock to the dollar.   - Increased oil prices, which would spike inflation and complicate monetary policy for the Bank of Israel.   - A rising budget deficit, jeopardizing the shekel’s stability.   **Looking Ahead: Key Indicators to Watch**   The bottom line is that while January was a victory for the shekel, the geopolitical landscape remains precarious. Investors should monitor the 3.00 level against the dollar, as breaking below this point could indicate a significant shift in economic stability. Conversely, any headlines hinting at escalated tensions with Iran should serve as a warning sign for a potential dip in the shekel’s value.   Conclusion: Key Takeaways   January's performance of the shekel reflects a stronger-than-expected Israeli economy, driven by a thriving tech sector and adjusted market perceptions. However, the ongoing risks associated with geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Iran, add layers of complexity for investors. As we move into February, staying informed and vigilant will be crucial for navigating this evolving landscape.   #IsraeliShekel #FinancialAnalysis #GeopoliticalRisk #TechEconomy #MoneyMatters #CurrencyMarket #InvestmentStrategies

    6 min

About

Established in 2008, IsraTransfer is Israel's most trusted currency exchange experts.Licensed with the Capital Market, Insurance and Savings Authority, we have been privileged to support thousands of clients move their funds to Israel.Whether clients are looking to purchase a property in Israel, make aliyah or simply require regular currency transfers, IsraTransfer provides a safe, secure and efficient way to send money to and from Israel at better rates than the bank.