Business & Economy

The Euro Crisis is Still with Us

While attention has been focused on the Arab world, the European debt crisis is still with us and becoming more intractable.

New Zealand Thanks Israel for Earthquake Aid

New Zealand has thanked Israel for its aid in the wake of a crippling earthquake in Christchurch. Three Israelis are dead, three are still missing.

Gold Prices Skyrocket to Record High

Gold is sparkling at a new record high thanks to the unstable political and military situation in the Middle East.

Chinese People's Congress to Address Social Fairness

Despite China's phenomenal growth, not everybody has shared that growth and the leadership pledges to address discontent.

Increase in Israeli Home Prices: 3rd Highest in the World

Israeli homes continue to prove be one of the best investments around. Growth in home prices in the Jewish state is the third highest in the world.

False Rumor that Saudi King Will Buy Facebook to Stop Protests

A report sweeps the Arab world that the Saudi King will buy Facebook to prevent its use in a Day of Rage. It's a great headline - but false.

Gas Prices Soar to 7.30 Shekels a Liter

Gasoline prices hit all-time high despite tax cuts as battles rage in Libya.

iYarzheit: Jewish Technology to Remember

The latest bit of Jewish technology to help the absent-minded was born of a need for compassion: meet the iYarzheit.

'Days of Rage' Spreading to Africa?

The government of Zimbabwe has arrested dozens of political activists in an attempt to stop protesters from igniting a “Day of Rage.”

Mass-Producing the Tomato Tree

Israeli scientists seek to make the 'tomato tree' available for commercial farming.

TIME Source: Qaddafi to Blow Up Oil Pipelines; Gas Prices Soar

Qaddafi is threatening to blow up oil facilities, a source told TIME magazine. Oil prices soar and gasoline in Israel will cost more next month.

Wisconsin Pits Budget Cutting Versus Collective Bargaining

Governor Scott Walker is determined to cut the Wisconsin budget and curb union power. The beleaguered unions are determined to resist.

Cameron Government Unveils Major Welfare Reform Bill

The British Government unveiled a major reform of the welfare system that is designed to combat Britain's benefit culture and save money.

Chris Christie Takes Washington by Storm

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie came to Washington to repeat his fiscal conservatism. He not only wowed conservatives but the liberal media too

Festering Debt Crisis Pressures Euro Downwards

Lingering fears of Portugese solvency as well as issues affecting previous bailouts create a climate of uncertainty

Obama Offers Painful Cuts, Republicans Say Not Enough

While the budget unveiled today contains painful cuts, the Republicans argue that it does not go far enough.

Israel Ponders 'Google Street View' Risks

Israel is considering the risks v. benefits of allowing Google to operate its Street View service in its city streets.

Lebanese Bank Denies US Charge of Money Laundering, Terror Ties

A Lebanese bank is accused by the U.S. Treasury of massive money laundering and links to Hizbullah terrorists. The bank denies the charge.

Experts Warn: Arab Protest Buyoffs may Prolong Poverty

Arab leaders try to counter protests with financial incentives, experts warn the “buyoffs” may cause long-term poverty and instability.

Mubarak's Fortune Secure if Ouster Succeeds

If Egypt's Mubarak is forced from power, he will have a fortune in foreign investments to fall back on, analysts say.

Major Economic Package Unveiled to Avert General Strike

The government will raise the minimum wage and drop the price of bread, gasoline and water in order to avert a general strike, PM Netanyahu says.

Made in China Hacking HIghlights US-China Competition for Energy

As Israel deals with a sharp rise in gasoline prices, US energy firms have been hacked, allegedly by China, highlighting a race for oil security.

Lone Soldiers Get Credit at Israeli Supermarket

Lone soldiers receive credit to purchase basic necessities at Israel’s largest supermarket chain.

PA Developer Vows to Uproot Trees Donated by JNF

Some 3,000 trees donated in 2009 by JNF to the new PA city of Rawabi, north of Ramallah, are to be uprooted by the developer.

Finance Minister Fights Flu and Lower Taxes from Hospital Bed

The Finance Minister is in the hospital, where he fights the flu and attempts to cut fuel taxes, which he says are good for economic health.

Netanyahu to Combat Price Hikes

Prime Minister calls urgent meeting to fight price hikes after the Histadrut threatens a nationwide strike.

Egyptian, Tunisian Quality of Life Drops, But GDP Rises

For the past five years the quality of life for Egyptians and Tunisians has deteriorated -- but the economy in both countries has improved.

Landau: Egyptian Gas Blast Means ‘Must Bolster Energy Security’

Minister Uzi Landau says the explosion at an Egyptian gas terminal proves that Israel must “do everything to improve Israel's energy security."

Price of Bread to Rise

The price of bread will go up by 3.33% next week due to a global increase in the price of flour.

Roaring Food Prices Menace Political and Economic Stability

Analysis: Rising food prices contributed to current political instability but may impact economic policy in more advanced economies.

Unrest in Egypt Might Mean Higher Gas Prices

Unrest in Egypt might result in another price hike at the gas pump, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Dollar, Gas – Up

The price of gas will jump tonight to its highest shekel rate ever, and the dollar continues to soar, gaining nearly 5.5% in the past two weeks.

Israel's New Water Crisis Management Plan

Israel's Cabinet has approved a multi-prong plan to deal with the growing water crisis in the country. First up: more desalination.

Japan Less Credit Worthy, Rating Lowered by S&P

The downgrading of Japan's credit rating is a sign that the financial agencies are getting around to the big beasts of the financial world.

State of the Union: Sputnik or Greece, Two Opposing Approaches

INN's political science analyst: Obama's State of the Union Address and Paul Ryan's reply show opposing economic ideas of the two parties.

Soaring Gas Prices Fuel Government Coffers, Cut Deficit

Israel ended 2010 with tinier deficit than predicted, partly due to soaring gas taxes, which have led to street protests and a Knesset debate.

Sarkozy Outlines Economic Proposals

French President Nicholas Sarkozy seeks to modify the harshness of capitalism by introducing greater regulation.

PM: 'Terror is International' in Russia Suicide Bombing

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu noted Monday that “terror is international” after a suicide bombing left more than 30 people dead in Russia.

35 Dead in Moscow Airport Suicide Bombing

At least 35 were killed in a suicide terror bombing at the Moscow Airport on Monday. Warning: graphic video.

Cabinet Approves Hike in Energy Royalties from Energy Tycoons

The Cabinet withstood intense corporate lobbying and approved a sharp hike in energy royalties from newly-discovered gas and oil fields.

Highway 31 Expansion Planned for South

The Transportation Ministry is planning to expand Highway 31, the main artery that leads from Be'er Sheva through Arad to the Dead Sea.

Muslim Brotherhood Plans 2nd Week of Protests in Jordan

More unrest is expected to hit Jordan when the local Muslim Brotherhood chapter leads a second protest against the government over rising prices.

McFalafels Roll Out in Israel

The McDonald's fast food chain is rushing to roll out its latest offering – the “McFalafel' sandwich – in Israel's heartland.

Intel Hangs Out ‘Help Wanted’ Sign in Israel

Unemployed? No future in Silicon Valley? Intel again has hung out the “help wanted” sign in Israel, where it is recruiting 1,000 new workers.

FDA Limits Max Amount of Acetaminophen in Combo Pain Meds

The FDA has reduced the maximum allowable amount of acetaminophen in combination pain medication, and added a boxed warning for good measure.

Farewell to Vehicular Traffic on Jerusalem's Jaffa Road

Jerusalem's Jaffa Road bids farewell forever to vehicular traffic this weekend to become a pedestrian walkway -- and no light rail till April.

Brisbane Torah Scrolls Rescued from Raging Flood Waters

Brisbane's Torah scrolls rescued by congregation, but 14 people died and dozens more are missing in tragic Brisbane floods.

Japan Props Up the Euro

Japan has decided to buy European debt in a big way for either economic reasons, to compete with China or both.

Israel to Join UN Women's Group

The Cabinet is expected this Sunday to approve Israel's acceptance of membership in the United Nations Women's Equality and Empowerment group.

Government Payout for Employing Arabs

The government plans to pay 9,000 shekels to employers who hire Arab academics, in an attempt to boost Arab presence in the workforce.

Snow Buries El Al Flights in New York

Blizzard conditions in the American northeast managed to accomplish what war zones and volcanic ash did not, with flights canceled and delayed.

Israel Launches Tours in the Footsteps of Mary

Israel's Tourism Ministry has launched a new campaign offering tours to spots where it is thought that Mary, mother of Jesus, traveled and lived.

Deputy Bank of Israel Governor: I Agree with Sheshinski

Deputy Governor of the Bank of Israel praises Israel’s economy and addresses the controversial issue of royalties from the natural gas bonanza.

Analysis: Portugal the Next Financial Domino

Portugal may be the next country to require a financial bailout, increasing the pressures on Spain.

UN Will Help Set Israel-Lebanon Sea Borders

Five days after the UN refused to intervene between Israel and Lebanon on the issue of maritime borders and oil wells, the body reversed itself.

Netanyahu Nets $50K, Barely

Prime Minister uploads his salary slip to Facebook, reveals meager earnings.

Port Strike 'Not Good for Aliyah,' Ends With 6% Pay Hike

An Israeli business owner noted that the 3-day port strike that ended Wednesday night could have threatened the Aliyah enterprise.

Plan to Let 5,000 More PA Arabs Get Work Permits

Labor minister wants more Palestinian Authority Arabs to be granted permits to enter Israel and work in construction and agriculture.

UN Nixes Lebanese Attempt to Stop Israeli Offshore Drilling

The United Nations has rejected a request by Lebanon to stop Israel from expanding offshore drilling in northern Mediterranean coastal waters.

Mammoth Disney Amusement Park-Cinema Complex for Haifa

Coming soon to Israel: 25 screen cinema multiplex and amusement park covering 20 acres near Haifa. Cost: $170 million.