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Ashkelon College economics professor and former chief economist of the Bank of Israel, Asher Blass, stated that this historic decline is the result of both the international weakening of the US dollar and the long-term trend supporting the New Shekel. Blass noted that the distinguishing feature of Israel’s economy is the inflow of tens of billions of US dollars from overseas capital and the export of services and products, especially from the high-tech sector. The high-tech sector is one of the main driving forces of Israel’s economy. He also said, “As long as the global high-tech industry remains prosperous, it is good news for Israel.” In the short term, the strengthened New Shekel against the US dollar helps alleviate Israel’s inflation pressure and promotes lower interest rates, as imports priced in New Shekels become cheaper. However, in the long term, a persistently strong New Shekel may drag down exports and place pressure on traditional industries and tourism.

On April 17, the Federal Reserve announced that as of the week ending April 15, the volume of U.S. commercial paper has increased. The seasonally adjusted commercial paper balance rose by $51.1 billion in the latest week, reaching $1.413 trillion. The unadjusted commercial paper balance increased by $26.6 billion to $1.437 trillion. The unadjusted commercial paper balance for foreign financial institutions rose by $10.2 billion to $361.8 billion.

Golden Ten Data reported on April 17 that on April 16, 2026, the United States, as the G20 presidency, held the first G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting of the year in Washington. The meeting focused on topics such as the global macroeconomic situation, global growth, and global imbalances. Minister of Finance Lan Fo'an attended the meeting and delivered a speech, accompanied by Vice Minister Liao Min. During the meeting, Lan Fo'an held bilateral meetings or exchanges with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, European Commission Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Dombrovskis, Brazilian Minister of Finance Haddad, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Reeves, Australian Treasurer Chalmers, and Saudi Minister of Finance Al-Jadaan, mainly exchanging views on the macroeconomic situation, key G20 finance agenda topics, and bilateral cooperation.