Israel's equity market ended the trading day in positive territory on Friday, with the TA-35 finishing higher by 0.62% at the close in Tel Aviv. Gains were driven by stocks in the Financials, Insurance and Banking sectors, which outperformed the broader market during the session.
The day’s strongest performers on the TA-35 included Tower Semiconductor Ltd (TASE:TSEM), which advanced 3.64% - a rise of 1,480.00 points - to close at 42,140.00. Nova (TASE:NVMI) added 3.49% or 5,200.00 points, finishing the day at 154,000.00. Harel (TASE:HARL) gained 3.41% - up 470.00 points - to finish at 14,270.00 in late trade.
At the same time, several names recorded notable declines. Next Vision Stabilized Systems (TASE:NXSN) led the laggards, slipping 4.81% or 1,410.00 points to close at 27,890.00. Enlight Renewable Energy Ltd (TASE:ENLT) fell 2.76% - a loss of 500.00 points - to end at 17,610.00, and Elbit Systems Ltd (TASE:ESLT) was down 2.20% or 4,950.00 points, finishing at 219,800.00.
Market breadth at the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange showed more decliners than advancers, with 263 stocks falling versus 184 rising, while 101 issues finished unchanged.
Two stocks reached noteworthy price milestones during the session. Shares of Tower Semiconductor rose to 5-year highs, gaining 3.64% or 1,480.00 to 42,140.00. Nova shares climbed to all-time highs, increasing 3.49% or 5,200.00 to 154,000.00.
Commodities and currency markets posted mixed results. Crude oil for March delivery was up 0.14% or 0.09 to $65.51 a barrel. Brent oil for April delivery rose 0.19% or 0.13 to $69.72 a barrel. By contrast, the April Gold Futures contract fell 5.33% or 285.49 to trade at $5,069.31 a troy ounce.
On the FX front, USD/ILS was up 0.65% to 3.09, while EUR/ILS unchanged 0.10% to 3.68. The US Dollar Index Futures moved higher as well, up 0.53% at 96.65.
Summary of session movers:
- Top gainers - Tower Semiconductor (TSEM), Nova (NVMI), Harel (HARL).
- Top decliners - Next Vision (NXSN), Enlight Renewable Energy (ENLT), Elbit Systems (ESLT).
- Market breadth - Decliners: 263; Advancers: 184; Unchanged: 101.