Standard & Poor's gives Israel its highest‑ever rating

On August 4, Standard & Poor’s accorded Israel its highest rating ever, raising its outlook from A+ to AA–. S&P cited Israel’s “prosperous, modern, and diversified economy,” and said the rating was “based on our belief that, absent global trade shocks, Israel’s economic growth outlook will remain solid and allow the government to accommodate pressures coming from social and infrastructure spending, as well as a potential moderate escalation of security risks.” Additionally, S&P predicted 3.3 percent annual growth from 2018-2021. In July, Moody’s also raised its Israel outlook. (Israel bonds are not rated)