Israel: Economic activity shrinks more slowly in May
Latest reading: The monthly index of economic activity fell 0.4% on a seasonally adjusted month-on-month basis in May, following a 0.8% decline in the previous month and marking the third straight contraction. The latest month’s reading is the average growth estimate from the previous three months, thus reflecting fully the impact of conflict with Iran and Hezbollah that started at end-February.
The index was weighed down by weaker trade and services revenue, industrial production, consumption goods imports, indirect tax revenues and actual GDP data. However, credit card purchases, stock market data and goods exports helped limit the decline.