Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) – Your Quick Guide to Israel’s Stock Market

If you’ve ever wondered how to buy a share of an Israeli tech giant or why a local index moved today, you’re in the right place. The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, known as TASE, is Israel’s main venue for buying and selling stocks, bonds, and ETFs. It’s smaller than the NYSE but still packs a punch, especially in high‑tech and biotech. Below we break down what you need to know to start trading, what the big numbers mean, and a few practical tips.

Understanding TASE Basics

TASE operates on a fully electronic platform, so trades happen in seconds. The flagship index is the TA‑35, which tracks the 35 most liquid stocks – think companies like NICE, Teva, and Check Point. A close look at the TA‑125 gives you a broader view, covering the top 125 shares. Unlike some markets, TASE runs a dual‑currency system: you can trade in Israeli shekels (ILS) or US dollars, which helps foreign investors avoid constant FX conversions.

Trading hours are simple: the main session runs from 9:45 am to 5:05 pm local time, with a short lunch break. There’s also an after‑hours session for certain securities, giving you more flexibility if you follow global news. Remember, settlement follows a T+2 rule, meaning you receive the shares (or cash) two business days after the trade.

Getting Started with Trading on TASE

The first step is opening a brokerage account that supports TASE. Most Israeli banks offer this service, and several international brokers have added TASE to their platform lineup. You’ll need to provide identification, proof of residence, and sometimes a tax identification number. Once approved, fund your account in ILS or USD, then you’re ready to place orders.

When you place a trade, you’ll choose between a market order (executed immediately at the best price) or a limit order (executed only if the price hits a level you set). For beginners, limit orders can protect you from sudden price swings, especially in volatile sectors like cyber‑security.

Don’t forget to watch the daily trading volume and the bid‑ask spread. A tighter spread means lower transaction costs. On TASE, many of the high‑liquidity stocks have spreads under 0.5 %, which is pretty cheap.

Finally, keep an eye on earnings releases and macro news. Israeli markets react strongly to tech‑sector earnings and to regional geopolitical developments. A good habit is to set up alerts for the TA‑35 and for any stock you own, so you’re never caught off‑guard.

That’s the core of it – a quick snapshot of how TASE works, how you can join the action, and what to track after you’re in. Whether you’re a casual investor or you’re building a portfolio of high‑growth Israeli firms, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange offers a straightforward, modern way to get involved. Happy trading!