Israel on the map of world’s top investors

ISRAEL BONDS have reached several milestones in the past few months — worldwide sales exceeding $40 billion (around £32.4 billion) since the first bonds were issued in 1951 and annual sales in America reaching a record $1.127 billion (£912.87 billion) in 2016. Clients, retail and institutional alike, are demonstrating their keenness to acquire Israel bonds. While they clearly view the bonds as an overt expression of support for

Israel, they also perceive the securities as significant investments for their financial portfolios.

In April this year, for example, the state of Ohio made a $61 million investment in Israel bonds, causing the state to become the largest single entity holder of the bonds, with $165 million in its portfolio. Note treasurer Josh Mandel’s primary reason for making the historic investment: “First and foremost,” he stated, “we are making this investment because it’s a good investment for the taxpayers of Ohio.”

Ohio is not the only state to take notice. Throughout the years, more than 90 state and municipal public employee pension funds and treasury funds have invested more than $3 billion in Israel bonds.

The reason for this confidence in Israel is readily apparent. These are not the early days of the state, when Israel bonds were perceived as a kind of “contribution” to the wellbeing of a developing nation. Today, Israel bonds are widely seen as investments in a global technological leader and standardsetting economic powerhouse.

Israel’s internationally recognised