It grew by 5.2 percent last year, and the data for the most recent quarter show an acceleration of growth. Current forecasts are that the economy will grow by about 5 percent this year again. The budget deficit last year was below 2 percent, and it is likely to be below 1 percent this year. Our inflation rate is low.
The exchange rate of the shekel is remarkably stable despite – or perhaps because of – the fact that the Bank of Israel has not intervened in the currency markets since 1997, and does not intend to do so except in truly exceptional situations. We have a current account surplus.