What's Your Number? Who’s winning the economic war?
13 snips
Mar 18, 2026 Market movers and sector splits take center stage as cyber shows resilience while AI and SaaS stumble. Sharp stock swings from Fiverr to Via and defense tech highlight shifting winners. A deep dive examines Iran’s economic tactics, oil dynamics, gas and chip risks, and looming fertilizer and food pressures. The conversation maps a three to four week runway before broader strain may surface.
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Market Is Sorting Winners After Defense And AI Runs
- Defense tech Elbit corrected ~7% after a >50% YTD rally, while SaaS/AI names Fiverr and Via plunged ~7–12%.
- Markets are recalibrating winners in the AI shift; earlier rallies are being taken a breath from highs.
Deficit Widening Tests Market Credibility
- Israel's 2026 budget deficit estimate widened from ~4.4% to 5.5% due to war spending, but markets price borrowing nearer 5.8–6% via CDS.
- The Ministry of Finance's credibility matters as markets may discount official deficit numbers.
Tech Founders Bidding For Channel 13
- A group of Israeli tech founders led by Asaf Rappaport (Wiz cofounder) offered about $100 million to buy Reshet 13 and stabilize the channel.
- The move mirrors Bezos/Washington Post and signals founders staying engaged in Israel despite challenges.