Over the past 3 months, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange has more or less held its value, despite sharp daily fluctuations. compared to the 10% losses in London or on the Dow, that is good news.

The past few days have seen another mark of confidence in the Israeli financial system. The International Organization of the Securities Commissions has agreed to host its next conference in Tel Aviv, commencing 8th June 2009. 

There is a list of financial heavyweights due to attend. The current program includes: –

Mr. Lloyd C. Blankfein, Chairman and CEO, Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.; Mr. Deven Sharma, President, Standard & Poor’s; Prof. Eddy Wymeersch, Chairman, IOSCO Regional Committee, Chairman, Committee of European Securities Regulators; Prof. Stanley Fischer, Governor, Bank of Israel; Prof. Zohar Goshen, Chairman, Israel Securities Authority; Mr. William Brodsky, CEO of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange

A couple of weeks back, I commented on the excellent report Israel received from the IMF visiting committee. I still tend to agree with the Governor of the Bank of Israel. This recession may be tough, and it is not ignoring Israel. However, the country has a good chance to come through in a strong position.